HL Deb 08 October 2003 vol 653 cc61-2WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, before embarking on the war in Iraq, they assessed the extent of risk of obstruction, resistance and armed opposition to the occupation of Iraq; and, if so, what was their assessment of the extent of the risk. [HL4521]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

In planning for a possible conflict in Iraq, the Government took into account a wide range of factors relevant to the post-conflict phase, anticipated the risks and planned accordingly.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, before embarking on the war in Iraq, they were warned by the intelligence and security services of the United Kingdom or the United States that there was likely to be a significant obstruction, resistance and armed opposition to the occupation of Iraq. [HL4522]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The intelligence and security services contribute to the provision of advice to the Government through Joint Intelligence Committee assessments. The JIC issued a number of assessments on Iraq prior to the conflict.