Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current political situation in Iraq and the efforts of its new prime minister-designate to form a new cabinet; and whether they have offered any support to the government of Iraq to assist in that respect.

We consider it important that an Iraqi Government is in place to address the significant economic, security and health challenges Iraq faces. The UK maintains frequent engagement with Iraqi political leaders and parties. The Minister for Middle East and North Africa discussed the current situation in Iraq with the Iraqi Ambassador to London on 16 March and with Foreign Minister Hakim on 1 April. The Iraqi Parliament is due to vote on 6 May the proposed Iraqi Government under Prime Minister designate Mustafa Khademi.