§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of changes in the level of risk of a terrorist attack in the UK since the initiation of military action in Iraq in March; and if he will make a statement. [140775]
§ The Prime MinisterThe worldwide threat from terrorism remains real and serious, as we have all seen demonstrated by the recent attacks in Turkey. The relevant agencies are at a state of heightened readiness as they have been for some time.
The assessment of the level of threat to the UK is under constant review, and the Government takes the appropriate action.
The assessment received before the Iraq conflict was that the greatest threat to Western interests came from al-Qaeda and associated groups. This assessment has not changed and the Government and related agencies continue to combat terrorist activities both here and abroad.
§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Prime Minister whether a reduction in international terrorism was a stated aim of the military action in Iraq in March; and if he will make a statement. [140776]
§ The Prime MinisterOur policy objectives for action in Iraq were set by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Straw) in a written statement on 7 January 2003,Official Report, columns 4–6WS and set out in "Iraq: Military Campaign Objectives" on 20 March 2003. A copy is available in the Library of the House.
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§ Harry CohenTo ask the Prime Minister whether President Bush discussed with him an intention to choose Iraq's leader; and if he will make a statement. [141099]
§ The Prime MinisterI discussed with President Bush, as I regularly do, a wide range of Iraq-related issues, including the timetable leading to the formation of a Transitional Iraqi Government.
§ Harry CohenTo ask the Prime Minister what peace approaches made for the attention of the UK Government were deemed to be from the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein prior to the war; whether such an approach for the attention of the US Administration was made(a) before the war and (b) subsequently; and if he will make a statement. [141100]
§ The Prime MinisterIn the months before the conflict in Iraq, contact was made by various individuals claiming to be intermediaries for Saddam Hussein and senior members of the Iraqi regime. On each occasion our response was to underline the need for Iraq to comply fully and immediately with its obligations under the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Approaches made to the US are a matter for the US Administration.