Written question asked by John Lyons (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 January 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 January 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, If he will make a statement on the action the UK Government will take should the UN decide not to take military action against Iraq. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the action the UK Government will take should the UN decide not to take military action against Iraq. [91804] Mr. Rammell: In the event that there is a material breach, the preference of the British Government is for a second resolution. So far, the UN Security Council has, as Kofi Annan has said, "faced up to its responsibilities". We believe it will continue to do so. But we must reserve our position in the event that it does not.

Secondary information