Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party). It was answered on Monday, 16 July 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: During the past week the United States Congress has voted, for the third time this year, to withdraw forces from Iraq. Moreover, Prime Minister al-Maliki has said that coalition troops can leave whenever they like. Why is it only neo-Conservative United States Republicans and this Government who are delaying the final withdrawal of our brave service men and women from Iraq?

Answer: Prime Minister al-Maliki said his assessment was that in about three months’ time the Iraqi security forces would be ready to take over responsibility for security in Basra. That was his assessment, and it is important, because it is part of the process of assessment that we will undergo, and have already undergone, in three of the four provinces from which we have withdrawn our troops and which we have allowed to be handed over to the security control of the Iraqis. Since I took up my current post, I have consistently explained the precise strategy we are following, both from the Dispatch Box and elsewhere. We have never deviated from that strategy: we have not been forced to change by any set of circumstances, by votes in any other Parliament or by decisions of any other Government. I and my predecessor have explained the process; it is a logical one, and it is in the interests of the Iraqi people, towards whom we have a responsibility. It is also consistent with the United Nations Security Council resolution, and it represents the international community’s will. Most importantly, it is the best and most sensible way to maintain our contribution to the Iraqi people and to protect our people—although they are, for reasons I have now twice explained this afternoon, under additional threat at present.

Secondary information