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Newsroom & speeches
20 November 2006
During his visit to Iraq on Saturday 18 November, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown announced that the UK would contribute a further £100 million in reconstruction aid over the next three years.
Visiting Basra in Southern Iraq, Brown held talks with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh and Finance Minister Bayan Jabr. Talks covered the long-term prospects for the Iraqi economy, future economic reform plans and how the UK can continue to help the Iraqi government to manage its own substantial resources effectively for the benefit of the Iraqi people.
The UK's contribution will help the Iraqi Government, at provincial and national level, to plan and deliver investment in basic services, improve oil production levels and generate jobs.
The Chancellor, accompanied by Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of the Defence Staff, also met with British troops stationed in Basra, including infantry, helicopter crews and medical teams, and received briefings from senior military commanders.
Speaking in Basra, Gordon Brown said:
"What I have seen here is the tremendous morale of our forces and I want to pay tribute to them for the work they have been doing in often very difficult circumstances.
"We are committed to supporting the Iraqis in building a democratic nation which brings security and prosperity to its people, effectively manages its own resources, and plays a full part in the region and the world economy."
1. At the Madrid Conference in 2003, HMG pledged £544 million for reconstruction in Iraq from 2003 until 2006. This money has now been disbursed. The Department for International Development has focused its contribution on economic recovery and reform; promoting good governance and effective public administration; strengthening Iraqi civil society and encouraging public participation in the political process; and Improving power, water and fuel supplies in southern Iraq.
2. The additional £100 million pledged by the Chancellor will be spent primarily on technical assistance to key Iraqi institutions, such as the Ministry of Finance. The money will also help to support UK work in Basra, including helping the local government to implement critical improvements in water supplies, electricity distribution and road repairs; supporting police training and anti-corruption initiatives; and helping to revive local business and agriculture.
3. Whilst on his visit the Chancellor met members of the British Armed Forces serving in Iraq including from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment - "The Tigers".
4. Photographs of the Chancellor's visit are available at http://www.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/
5. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Press office on 020 7270 5238.
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