HL Deb 23 February 1999 vol 597 c112WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether British forces are giving military training to Iraq forces to topple the Iraqi Government, as alleged in the Sunday Times of 24 January; and, if so, whether this is compatible with the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998. [HL997]

Lord Gilbert

There is no truth to the allegation that British forces are engaged in training Iraqi opposition forces to topple the current Iraqi Government.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether current United States and British military activity in and over Iraq remains "humanitarian" as recently stated by the Secretary of State for Defence, or is in aid of the policies as stated by the United States administration. [HL1000]

Lord Gilbert

Our patrols of the Northern and Southern No-Fly-Zones in Iraq are an essential humanitarian task in support of UNSCR 688. They prevent Saddam from using his air force against Iraqi citizens in the north and south and monitoring the actions of his forces on the ground. The patrols also provide reassurance to Saddam's neighbours. This is consistent with US policy.