Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 July 2003. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Monday, 7 July 2003 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, when he last discussed with the US Administration the force levels required (a) to provide internal security in Iraq and (b) to allow British and American forces to provide for their own protection; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Prime Minister when he last discussed with the US Administration the force levels required (a) to provide internal security in Iraq and (b) to allow British and American forces to provide for their own protection; and if he will make a statement. [123682] The Prime Minister: I am in regular contact with President Bush on all aspects of the reconstruction of Iraq. We will maintain an appropriate military presence for as long as necessary, providing both internal security and for force protection of our personnel. As far as British forces are concerned, we keep our requirements under review, but we judge that our current force levels in Iraq are sufficient.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 123682; 408 c615W;408 c613W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Iraq Protection Peacekeeping operations Security USA Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk