§ 11. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements he has made to assist in the development of free trade unions in Iraq. [123876]
§ Mr. RammellThe Government are working through the Coalition Provisional Authority in partnership with the Iraqi people to develop a free and democratic society respectful of human rights and freedom of expression.
My hon. Friend the Minister for Europe (Mr. MacShane) is working with the hon. Member and others to encourage the establishment of one of the key political institutions in any democracy: a trade union movement.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe today met British trade union officials to discuss support for trade union's in Iraq.