asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have had with the Government of Iraq concerning the security situation in Mosul. [HL3864]

Officials at our embassy in Baghdad and consulates in Erbil and Basra hold regular discussions with the Government of Iraq about security within the country, including the situation in and around Mosul. Government Ministers also regularly talk to their Iraqi counterparts about the security situation there.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of Iraq concerning the persecution of academics, Christians and other groups in Mosul. [HL3865]

Although we have not made any specific recent representations concerning academics and Christians in Mosul, our diplomatic missions in Iraq and my right honourable friend the Prime Minister's special envoy on human rights in Iraq, the right honourable Ann Clwyd, frequently raise the protection of minorities with the Iraqi authorities. We continue to press the Iraqi Government to ensure adequate protection for all of Iraq's people, regardless of faith or political persuasion, and to take tough measures against those perpetuating the violence which is affecting all sectors of Iraqi society. Although we do not support the use of the death penalty, we are encouraged by the recent conviction of the killer of Archbishop Rahho of Mosul as an example of Iraqi commitment to tackling these problems.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation concerning the destruction of ancient sites in Mosul and its environs. [HL3866]

We have not made any representations to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation specifically about the destruction of ancient sites in Mosul and its environs. We take seriously the need to respect, protect and preserve Iraq's cultural heritage. We are actively supporting the Iraqi authorities in this.