§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what preparatory work has been carried out within his Department to facilitate the deployment of the UK armed forces in the event of a war with Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [75717]
§ Mr. HoonNo decision regarding the commitment of United Kingdom Armed Forces to any potential military operations in Iraq has been taken. Military action is neither imminent nor inevitable. The Government of Iraq is being given every chance to comply with its obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
148WHowever, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear, alongside the diplomacy, there must be genuine preparedness and planning to take action if diplomacy fails. We routinely take prudent steps to ensure that our armed forces are ready, fully trained and fully equipped for any actions that they may be called upon to undertake.