§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what consultations he had with(a) leaders of the British Muslim community and (b) British Muslim academics before endorsing the bombing of Iraq. [65393]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government make every effort to ensure that they are aware of the views of the British Muslim community and that their policies are understood by that community. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met members of the Muslim press before and after Operation Desert Fox, and gave an address to the Muslim Council of Britain. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) also holds regular meetings with representatives of the Muslim community at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 12 January 1999,Official Report, column 143, concerning military action against Iraq, by whom the reasons are well understood. [66493]
§ The Prime MinisterI was referring to our European Union partners in my answer of 12 January. They know why we took military action against Iraq because we have briefed them fully on our reasons for doing so.