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Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Monday, 17 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 January 2008. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 14 January 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by how much UK troop numbers in Iraq were reduced in each of the last six months in net terms; and by how much UK troop numbers are expected to be reduced in each of the next six months, in net terms.
Answer

The following table sets out for each of the last six months the net reduction in the number of established UK military posts in Iraq.

2007 Net reduction in posts Cumulative total
July 0 0
August 100 100
September 300 400
October 100 500
November 600 1,100
December 0 1,100

By the end of January 2008, we aim to have reduced the number of posts in Iraq by a further 350. Work continues to plan for future force level reductions, down to around 2,500 in southern Iraq from spring 2008, in line with the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 8 October 2007, Official Report, column 23. We are unable at present to provide a month-by-month projection of this reduction. Our plans will, of course, be guided by the advice of our military commanders and are subject to conditions on the ground.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
470 c885-6W;470 c885W; 175795
Session
2007-08
Subjects
Iraq Peacekeeping operations
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk