Engagements

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Prime Minister – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 7 January 2004.

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Photo of Tony Blair Tony Blair Prime Minister 11:30, 7 January 2004

I would not confirm the figure that the hon. Gentleman has just given—and as for what commitment we make to Iraq in terms of troops in years to come, I simply cannot be sure of that. Again, contrary to some reports, I have not said that thousands of British troops will be there for years. I do not know at this time, but what I do know is that the reconstruction of Iraq is important not just for that country, but for the stability of the region and of the wider world. Some 30 countries are helping us in Iraq at the moment—it is not just the US and the UK—and I think it very important that we make sure that that reconstruction succeeds. What it will cost at this stage we cannot say, but I do believe that it is an investment in the future stability and security of that region and of the world, and I welcome it.