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Statement to the House of Commons - Secretary of State for Defence on 20 March 2003

Mr Speaker, with permission I should like to make a statement about military operations to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction.

President Bush's ultimatum to Saddam Hussein expired at 1 o'clock this morning. Just as Saddam failed to take his final opportunity to disarm by peaceful means, so he has now failed to take his final opportunity to depart in peace and avoid the need for Coalition military action. I draw the House's attention to Hans Blix's comments in New York yesterday, that he was disappointed that three and a half months of inspection work had not brought clear assurances from the Iraqis of the absence of weapons of mass destruction.

President Bush announced at 3.15 this morning on behalf of the Coalition that operations had begun with attacks on selected targets of military importance. These attacks were carried out by Coalition aircraft and cruise missiles on more than one target in the vicinity of Baghdad, following information relating to the whereabouts of very senior members of the Iraqi leadership. Those leaders are at the very heart of Iraq's command and control system, responsible for directing Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

In addition to these attacks, coalition forces yesterday carried out certain preliminary operations against Iraqi artillery, surface-to-surface missiles, and air defence systems within the Southern No Fly Zone. These were prudent preparatory steps, using Coalition air capabilities previously used in the No Fly Zones, designed to reduce the threat to Coalition forces in Kuwait. The protection of our Servicemen and women will remain a matter of paramount importance.

The House will be aware of reports of Iraqi missile attacks against Kuwait. These incidents are being investigated by personnel with appropriate skills and the necessary protection. There are no reported casualties so far. But I am afraid there is nothing more I can confirm to the House at this stage.

I would like to draw the attention of the House to two particular points. First, that Coalition forces will take every possible cxare to minimise civilian casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. And whilst the Coalition will use modern weapons which are more accurate than ever, we can never unfortunately exclude the possibility of civilian casualties, tragic though these always are. However, people should treat with caution Iraq's claims of civilian casualties. The Iraqi people are not our enemies, and we are determined to do all we can to help them build the better future they deserve.

Second, I would caution the House against suggestions that this campaign will be over in a very short time. We all certainly hope that offensive operations will be over quickly. But we should not underestimate the risks and difficulties that we may face against a regime that is the embodiment of absolute ruthlessness with an utter disregard for human life.

Turning now to the United Kingdom's Armed Forces, I have set out in successive statements the forces we have prepared for this purpose. We have deployed a substantial naval force of 29 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, including the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, and the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean; a land force led by Headquarters 1(UK) Armoured Division and including 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, 16 Air Assault Brigade, 7th Armoured Brigade, and 102 Logistics Brigade; and an air force comprising around 100 fixed-wing aircraft and 27 helicopters. In all, about 45,000 Servicemen and women have been assigne dto the campaign to disarm Iraq. Our forces will make a substantial contribution to the military action to disarm Iraq, which we will pursue at a time and on a schedule of our own choosing. Thet are trained, equipped and ready for the tasks they may now need to undertake. British forces are already engaged in some military operations, although the House will understand why I cannot give further details at this stage.

Mr Speaker, events over the coming days will dominate the 24-hour media. The House will recognise that we must all be wary of jumping to conclusions on the basis of "breaking news" before there has been time to conduct a proper investigation. Similarly, the House will understand - and I hope the media will too - that if we respond to media pressure for instant operational detail, we could risk the security and safety of our forces. We cannot therefore offer a running commentary on media reports. I will, however, ensure that the House is kept fully informed of significant developments. That is why I am making this statement today. In addition to statements as and when necessary, I will arrange for a short summary to be placed in the Library of the House and copies made available to Members in the Vote Office, as warranted by the day's events.

My Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister will be travelling to the European Council this afternoon. Once military action has begun, and UK forces are substantially engaged, the Prime Minister will ask to make a broadcast to the nation.

Once again, we are placing an enormous weight of responsibility on the shoulders of our Armed Forces. We have not taken the decision to do so lightly. The commitment to military action of Service personnel is always the gravest step any Government can take. I know that the thoughts and prayers of this House and our country are with them, and their families, as they embark on their mission. We hope for their safe and swift return.