Written question asked by Lord Ahmed (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 14 March 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 March 2016. It was answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 March 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Islamic State

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the reports of the use of chemical weapons against the Turkmen village, Taza in Southern Kirkuk, killing children and injuring 617 people, including 17 who are in critical condition.

Answer: We are aware of allegations that Daesh attacked the village of Taza on the morning of 8 March 2016 with a chemical agent, possibly sulphur mustard. There have been reports of multiple casualties, including the death of a young girl. We unreservedly condemn the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is supporting the Government of Iraq to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Iraq by non-state actors. The UK is at the forefront of pressing for an effective international response to the use of chemical weapons through the UN Security Council and the OPCW.

Secondary information