§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about military contingency planning in respect of recent events in Iraq. [24115]
§ Mr. George RobertsonIraq continues to obstruct the work of the United Nations Special Commission whose purpose is to ensure that Iraq cannot again threaten its neighbours with weapons of mass destruction. The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly made clear that Iraq must co-operate fully and unreservedly with UNSCOM and comply with relevant Security Council Resolutions. The United Kingdom is working with other members of the Security Council to secure Iraq's co-operation through diplomatic means. But, if these efforts fail, we may need to consider other measures, including the use of force. As a contingency, HMS INVINCIBLE, accompanied by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary FORT VICTORIA, will therefore sail to the Gulf to join other UK forces and those of our allies already operating in the region.