Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Adam Holloway (Conservative). It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 18 June 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: What recent assessment he has made of the effect of new counter-insurgency measures in Iraq.

Answer: Last Monday I visited Iraq and discussed the coalition’s counter-insurgency operations with General Petraeus and others. The military part of the counter-insurgency strategy has a number of strands, including targeted operations and restriction of freedom of movement. The political and economic regeneration efforts are key components, and it is the Iraqi Government who must deliver for the people. If they do not, the insurgents will seek to fill the gap. When I met the Iraqi Prime Minister and the presidency council with the Chancellor, we pressed this point.

Secondary information