Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq of the reported construction by Kurdish forces of a trench dividing Iraqi territory, and what discussions they have had with (1) the government of Iraq, (2) the Kurdistan Regional Government, (3) the United States, and (4) Turkey, about that development.

We are aware that Iraqi Kurdish forces are in the process of constructing a trench at sections of the frontline with Daesh. The Kurdistan Regional government has stated that the trench, in addition to other fortifications, is required to deter Daesh suicide attacks, which frequently involve assaults using multiple vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. We are monitoring the situation closely.

The Government is committed to a united Iraq. We continue to encourage the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional government to resolve any disagreements over internal boundaries in a way that is transparent and in line with the provisions of the Iraqi constitution. We regularly discuss issues relating to the Iraqi Kurds with our Global Coalition partners, including the US and Turkey.