British MPs demand Iraq oil info

LONDON, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- The British government is being pressed by 118 parliamentarians over allegations it played a role in writing Iraq’s controversial oil law.

MP Katy Clark tabled the Early Day Motion, which calls for the government to explain exactly what involvement it had in the oil law.

“This represents a significant breadth of opinion right across the House of Commons,” Clark said. “There is widespread opposition to this proposed law from within Iraq itself from Iraqi MPs, trade unions and the general public. I hope that the Government will take stock and look at the concerns being raised."

In Iraq, the law is stuck in negotiations over the extent the federal government will set oil policy, as well as the role foreign and private companies will be allowed to play in the sector. Iraq’s oil has been nationalized for more than three decades, the sole legacy of Saddam Hussein Iraqis have widespread support for.

But Iraq’s oil sector is badly beaten up by Hussein’s mismanagement, sanctions and war. Despite having the third-largest reserves in the world, Iraq needs the international oil community to invest. Even the powerful oil unions, which called too much foreign involvement a red line not to be crossed, call for some form of global oil help.

The oil law itself has been under much scrutiny. The U.S. government, as part of its prerogative to reorganize and privatize Iraq’s economy, also offered assistance to the Oil Ministry.

Both Kim Howells, Foreign Office minister of state, and Lord Triesman, parliamentary undersecretary, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, admitted earlier this year the British government helped connect British oil firms to Iraqi decision makers.

"Tony Blair's government used its military occupation of Iraq to promote the interests of BP and Shell, whilst violating the wishes of the Iraqi people,” said Greg Muttitt, co-director of the London-based campaigners Platform. “Now 118 MPs are sending a clear message to Gordon Brown that his new foreign policy must not do the same."