Government Mixed Messages on Iraq Humanitarian Situation - TONGE

12.06.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Apr 2003

Commenting on Clare Short's statement to the House of Commons on the Humanitarian situation in Iraq, Jenny Tonge MP, the Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, said, "The Government cannot ignore the humanitarian realities, and I am glad that Clare Short has admitted the facts."

"But the Government is sending out mixed messages. On Monday Mr Hoon denied that water shortages were a critical problem, today Clare Short said they were "the main humanitarian problem". While Hoon praised looting as "good practise," she blamed looting for the destruction of vital water plants.

"If law and order breaks down there could be a humanitarian disaster in Iraq. It would be a tragedy if we removed Saddam simply to watch Iraqis starve."

"But the British Government should commit more money to reconstruction and establish law and order as quickly as possible. Without stability, aid cannot arrive."