Written question asked by Ross Cranston (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2003. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the current security situation in Iraq. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current security situation in Iraq. [135565] Mr. Hoon: Although recent attacks in Iraq have received wide coverage, we should not forget that much of the country is remarkably stable. The vast majority of attacks against the coalition are concentrated in a limited area in and to the North West of Baghdad. Coalition forces, under US leadership, are working hard to counter these threats and will not be deflected from that mission. Across the country, meanwhile, increasing numbers of Iraqi police are on patrol, reconstruction continues and normal civil activities are pursued without incident. The situation in the British area of responsibility also remains generally calm, although vigilance is still required in the face of occasional incidents.

Secondary information