Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of political instability in Iraq on UK security interests.

We keep Iraqi internal stability under regular review and have noted the recent upsurge in violence with concern. Whilst the spike of large-scale unrest has dissipated since the end of August, the atmosphere in central and southern Iraq remains tense and further protests could occur.

The UK remains committed to the counter-Daesh mission, working alongside the Global Coalition at the continued request of the Government of Iraq. We remain hopeful that Iraq will find a peaceful and sustainable solution to the current political stalemate and that the Iraqi government will continue to support this vital work to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh.