Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 17 May 2006 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: May I associate myself and my right hon. and hon. Friends with the expressions of condolence and sympathy for those who have died and been injured in Iraq? May I ask the Prime Minister this: will British forces have been withdrawn from Iraq at the time when he leaves office?

Answer: British forces should remain in Iraq until the job is done. Incidentally, they are there in Iraq—this is important to emphasise—and have been there for three years with full United Nations authority and with the consent of the first-ever democratically elected Iraqi Government. They are doing a magnificent job there. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. That country wants its democracy to work, and that is why it is important that they stay until the Iraqi forces are capable of engaging with their own security themselves.

Secondary information