Written question asked by Colin Challen (Labour) on Thursday, 27 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 March 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 March 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, what evidence there is to support his statement, 26th February 2003, 400 c270, that the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 authorises the use of force against Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence there is to support his statement, 26 February 2003, Official Report, column 270, that the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 authorises the use of force against Iraq. [100819] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The statements to which my hon. Friend refers concern the provision in United Nations Security Council resolution 1441(2002) which recalls that the Council has warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violation of its obligations. As the Government have made clear, that means consequences up to and including the use of force.

Secondary information