§ 34. Mr. Bill O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes there have been in the peacekeeping role of United Kingdom forces in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [122673]
§ Mr. SpellarThe peacekeeping role of UK forces was set out in the Strategic Defence Review. There has been no change to that role in the last three years. As my hon. Friend will be aware, UK forces have been engaged in a number of peacekeeping and other peace support operations in the Balkans and elsewhere in that period.
The prevention, containment and resolution of conflict is a vital element in the maintenance of international stability and security to which this Government are committed. UK forces will therefore continue to make an appropriate contribution, in concert with others, to both peacekeeping and other peace support operations.