To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the efforts of the Iraqi government to engage constructively with the Sunni community; and if he will make a statement.

Political unity in Iraq is critical to military efforts to defeat ISIL. The Government continues to support political initiatives by Prime Minister Abadi that promote inclusive politics and national reconciliation, of which engagement with the Sunni community is a key part. Sunni political blocs are represented in the Iraqi government and have also been appointed to prominent positions within the Iraqi Security Forces as part of wider reforms. Prime Minister Abadi has taken a number of important steps to address Sunni concerns including ordering the cessation of artillery bombardments of Sunni towns where fighting against ISIL continues and the release of certain Sunni prisoners that had been held without trial following previous counter terrorism operations.

We are pleased that Sunni MPs ended their boycott of parliament on 2 March, however, further progress must be made, including agreement on the formation of a National Guard and legislative reform.