Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the government of Iraq in (1) establishing its authority in that country, and (2) reducing the influence of other governments.

The UK is committed to preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and is supporting the Government of Iraq to achieve this. We continue to provide technical and military assistance to Iraq, equipping the government to counter threats from Daesh and other destabilising influences from within the country and the wider region.

We regularly engage with the Government of Iraq and the international community on Iraq's security challenges and regional tensions. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary met Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in London on 22 October and pledged the UK's continuing support for the Iraqi government. Minister Cleverly reiterated the UK Government's commitment to Iraq's sovereignty, security and economic stability when he visited Iraq in November.