§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Prime Minister to what extent each of his objectives in undertaking the bombing of Iraq jointly with the United States of America in December has been met; and on what basis he will consider undertaking similar attacks in future. [65281]
§ The Prime MinisterThe objectives of Operation Desert Fox were to reduce Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and other military capabilities, and Iraq's ability to threaten its neighbours. We are ready to use force again if necessary, and will do so if Iraq tries to reconstitute its weapons of mass destruction or threatens its neighbours.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the French Government about the consequences for his policy of establishing a separate European defence identity of the American and British military action against Iraq. [65380]
§ The Prime MinisterNone. We have, of course, briefed the French and our other EU partners on our recent actions in Iraq. The reasons for these are well understood.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what response he gave to representations from the Government of Italy concerning the attack on Iraq. [65379]
§ The Prime MinisterI briefed Prime Minister D' Alema on our current thinking on Iraq on 18 December 1998 and we agreed to keep in touch on the issue.