Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Monday, 8 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 October 2007. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 October 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel have served in (a) Afghanistan since 2001 and (b) Iraq since 2003.

Answer: Between January 2003 and January 2007, centrally held records indicate that around 134,000 UK personnel deployed to the Joint Operational Area for Operation TELIC. Between October 2005 and January 2007, centrally held records indicate that around 24,500 UK personnel deployed to the Joint Operational Area for Operation HERRICK. Centrally held records do not indicate how long each individual spent in theatre, and these figures will include those who were making short visits in addition to those on full deployments. In addition, there may be some double-counting of personnel who have deployed more than once over the period. More detailed information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information