Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of changes in the level of violence in northern Iraq; and what recent reports he has received of deaths of civilians and security personnel caused by Islamic State in that region.

Although violent attacks have been reduced, we are aware of reports of pockets of ongoing violence against civilians and security personnel.

The UK condemns all such acts and remains committed to supporting the Government of Iraq as it works to defeat Daesh and put Iraq on the path to long-term peace and stability. The Prime Minister emphasised this message with Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi during her visit in November 2017 and, as a demonstration of our commitment, announced UK investment of £10 million to help build Iraq's counter-terrorist capability. We have plans to continue assisting Iraq by training its security forces, enhancing their ability to respond to the threat.