Commenting on a series of explosions in a number of Iraqi cities that are reported to have killed at least 30 people and left more than 200 injured, Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said:

I am shocked and saddened to hear of the series of cowardly attacks across Iraq today. My thoughts are with those killed and injured and with their families. These attacks were clearly intended to intimidate voters and disrupt upcoming provincial elections. The UK is committed to supporting the people and Government of Iraq in creating a more stable and democratic Iraq.