Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) negotiations to form a new government and (b) political situation in Iraq.

We are concerned by rising political tensions in Iraq and welcome calls for dialogue. We hope that political leaders in Iraq can compromise and seek a solution that prioritises the stability of Iraq. The urgent priorities of delivering effective public services and reforming the economy are being delayed by the political standoff.