To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on negotiations with the Government of Iraq on the stationing of British forces in the country after 31 December 2008; and if he will make a statement. (243259)

The UK and the Government of Iraq are negotiating a legal framework to allow UK forces to continue to provide the assistance requested of us by Iraqi authorities, laying the foundations for a long-term normalised bilateral relationship. Negotiations are continuing and we are aiming to reach an agreement prior to the expiry of UN Security Council Resolution 1790 at the end of 2008. We continue to discuss our respective legal requirements with the US and other coalition partners.