To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions the Government have had with the Iraqi Government on the legal status of British forces in Iraq. (209853)

The Multi-National Force, including British forces, operates in Iraq under the mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1790, and at the request of the Government of Iraq. We are in discussion with Coalition partners and the Government of Iraq over our legal requirements following the anticipated expiry of the UN Security Council mandate at the end of 2008, with a view to ensuring that any future UK military assistance to Iraq remains on a sound legal footing.