Asked by: Pat McFadden (Labour - Wolverhampton South East)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what her policy is on the issuing of UK aid in the form of international development in (a) Mosul and (b) the rest of Iraq.
Answered by Rory Stewart
DFID’s policy in Mosul and Iraq, as part of the wider UK effort, is to help to meet the urgent needs of people affected by conflict and the impact of Daesh, whilst supporting the Government of Iraq’s efforts to stabilise the country.
UK aid is delivering life-saving assistance such as clean water, food, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable people. We are also supporting the stabilisation of areas recently liberated from Daesh control, including Mosul, so displaced Iraqis can return to their homes. This assistance focuses on the restoration of basic services such as health and water, clearing Daesh explosives and increasing security, and getting local government back on its feet. The UK has also provided a substantial loan guarantee, through the World Bank, to support economic stability.
Asked by: Pat McFadden (Labour - Wolverhampton South East)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking to ensure that internally displaced persons in Iraq who have fled from Mosul are not forcibly returned to Mosul following the recapture of that city; and when she last discussed that matter with her counterparts in (a) the US and (b) Germany.
Answered by Rory Stewart
The UK remains closely engaged with the United Nations which is establishing a returns working group to support coordinated, safe returns in Mosul.
DFID officials regularly meet with donor colleagues, including the US and Germany, in Baghdad, Erbil, and other donor forums to discuss issues including safe returns. DFID officials also raised the issue of safe returns with the Kurdistan Regional Government who gave assurances that returns will be voluntary and dignified. The Minister of State discussed stabilisation with Iraqi and US officials during his visit in November 2016.