Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 7 September 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 September 2010. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 14 September 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent reports he has received on the progress of the Iraqi authorities in apprehending those responsible for the deaths of six Royal Military Police Officers from Colchester at Majar al-Kabir in June 2003.

Answer: [holding answer 13 September 2010]: The Ministry of Defence receives formal weekly reports from officials in Baghdad providing updates on key developments in the criminal investigation into the murders of the six Royal Military Policemen in Iraq.We were recently informed that the Iraqi Investigative Judge has indicated that a case against two of the seven suspects detained in Iraqi custody should be referred to trial at the Central Criminal Court of Iraq. Dates for these trials have yet to be set. Five suspects are no longer suspected of having any involvement and we have received confirmation that they have been released.Additionally, there are seven outstanding arrest warrants being actively pursued.I have written twice to the families in recent weeks. My officials are in regular contact with the soldiers' families and communicate all significant developments directly to them. As soon as we have confirmation of a trial date or of any arrests against the outstanding warrants, families will be notified.

Secondary information