Reconstruction Aid Must Be Pledged Now

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Mar 2003

David Rendel MP has questioned the Prime Minister about the Government's commitment to the reconstruction of post-conflict Iraq.

Speaking in today's Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Rendel pointed out that international donors - including the United States and United Kingdom - have pledged only half of the reconstruction aid needed in Afghanistan.

He asked for a commitment from the Prime Minister that Iraq would not be neglected in the same way.

Mr Rendel said:

"Sadly, a hugely destructive war against Iraq now appears inevitable. It is absolutely imperative that the Government commits the resources needed to re-build Iraq and to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Only then can we salvage at least some of the moral high ground that we have lost by going to war."