HC Deb 04 June 2003 vol 406 c454W
Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the scheduled return to the UK of Royal Marines following the end of the Gulf conflict. [112259]

Mr. Ingram

The withdrawal of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines from the Gulf region was completed on 18 May, following an extremely successful operational tour. Royal Marine Commandos were among the first Coalition forces to enter Iraq, working with the United States Marines to secure the Al Faw peninsula, and in particular the key port of Umm Qasr. Following the completion of decisive combat operations, they were subsequently involved in stabilisation operations, and humanitarian tasks.