HL Deb 11 September 2003 vol 652 cc144-5WA
Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What benchmarks they will set to convince the Iraqi people that they can trust the occupying forces both to establish law and order and to act within the law themselves. [HL4219]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)

Law and order is a high priority for the coalition in Iraq. More than 30,000 police officers have returned to work across Iraq, and are better paid than police under Saddam's regime. Coalition programmes, such as police training and the establishment of the new Iraqi army, will assist in bringing stability and ensuring that the rule of law in Iraq is enforced. United Kingdom forces operate to the highest standards, and are governed by the Geneva Convention IV, and rules of engagement derived from UK law.