Mr Burt said:

The British Government utterly condemns the attacks that took place across Iraq yesterday. My thoughts are with the families of those involved. I was especially horrified to hear that these attacks targeted children and their families celebrating the Eid-al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

This type of violence has no place in Iraq’s future and we strongly support the Government of Iraq’s efforts to bring those responsible to justice. These attacks follow a number of shocking incidents that have taken place across Iraq recently and are clearly intended to fuel sectarian strife and destabilise the country. I call on all political, religious and community leaders to work together to combat this type of violence and build a more secure Iraq.

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