HL Deb 03 March 2003 vol 645 c85WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the event of a war in Iraq, they have calculated the cost of the damage to (a) United Kingdom trade and international development in the Middle East and Africa, including the loss of important contracts; (b) aid partnerships; and (c) diplomatic ties over the next two years. [HL1698]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

No decision has been made to take military action against Iraq. We have at all stages during this crisis considered the options carefully with our allies, taking account of all the circumstances. It was acting in this spirit which enabled us to secure the unanimous support of the United Nations Security Council for Resoution 1441.