Iraq is today a nation that has been changed for the better. Millions of Iraqis now live free of Saddam’s oppression and have control of their own destiny, which is a testament to the success of the coalition’s security transition strategy.

The UK Government works closely with the Iraqi Government, US Government and other coalition partners to maintain security, to counter insurgent forces and to build a strong and peaceful Iraq that is respectful of human rights, democracy and rule of law.
 
Beginning in March 2003, British Troops played a key role in the US-led coalition military operations in Iraq that brought down Saddam Hussein's regime. UK forces have made a direct contribution to Iraqi progress and our military mission in southern Iraq concluded successfully on 30 April 2009. This marked the transition from combat to an enduring bilateral relationship. The partnership between the UK and Iraq will continue to take on new dimensions and will be strengthened through co-operation in a range of areas: economic, cultural, commercial and educational.

Human Rights and Politics in Iraq
The British Government takes very seriously its international responsibility to help the people of Iraq build a strong and peaceful country in which their human rights are respected and the rule of law applies to all, regardless of rank or background. We are working with the government of Iraq, the Iraqi security forces and international partners to help them develop a society free from violence and with infrastructures that will strengthen human rights and the rule of law.

Iraq is a sovereign country, with a democratically elected Government.  2009 is the year of elections, with provincial elections held successfully on 31 January and national elections due to take place before the end of this year. The UK, through its missions in Iraq continues to work closely with national and local government to provide, at the request of the Iraqi Government, support and advice that Iraq needs to ensure that it continues to develop as a democratic, secure and prosperous country, providing a stable presence in the region.

Security in Iraq
British Armed Forces have been helping the Iraqis to secure and rebuild their country after years of neglect and conflict. Today, violence is at its lowest level since 2003 and international military forces are increasingly being reduced throughout Iraq.

The UK mission in Basra is complete and all UK troops have now been withdrawn and the Iraqi authorities now have lead responsibility for ensuring security. Any UK military personnel remaining in Iraq in the longer term will do so at the request of the Iraqi Government as part of our broad-based bilateral relationship.  The UK continues to play a role in training Iraqi military personnel, the UK troops in the south of Iraq trained over 22,000 policemen and 20,000 Iraqi soldiers in 2004-2009.

But the partnership between the UK and Iraq are continuing to take on new dimensions and strengthened through co-operation in a range of other areas such as stimulating the economic development.

Development in Iraq
The UK Government is playing an important role in helping the Iraqi government and its people tackle problems of poverty, employment opportunities, dilapidated infrastructures and economic growth. The UK Department for International Development (DFID) leads the humanitarian and reconstruction effort and works collaboratively with other UK government departments including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence.

DFID is helping to develop Iraqi Government institutions, so that they can use the country’s wealth for the benefit of all its citizens and provide essential services such as water, sanitation, healthcare and education. DFID is also helping Iraqis promote economic growth and private sector investment - to create jobs and long term prosperity.

The long-term future of Iraq depends upon the revival of its economy, and reintegrating within the global trading system. Trade between the UK and Iraq increased in 2008, with the UK exporting £156 million worth of goods, up from £133 million in 2007. Goods imported from Iraq were worth £2.2 million in 2008, down from £3.7 million in 2007.

Although its economy has been seriously damaged by the effects of three wars and over a decade of economic sanctions, Iraq is plenteous in natural resources and possesses considerable potential for economic growth. The UK government wishes to see UK companies play a substantial role in the reconstruction of Iraq's essential infrastructure, and British firms are already active in a range of sectors, including:

• Power
• Water
• Health
• Telecommunications
• Oil and gas
• Construction
• Education

The much improved security situation means international companies are now looking seriously at investing in Iraq. The UK has facilitated over 18 investor visits to show international companies the opportunities available, which have led to proposals potentially worth up to $10 billion being submitted to the Iraqi Government.