Dr Julian Lewis:  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the recent report of the assassination in Iran of a leading al-Qaeda organiser, what assessment he has made of the implications of that report for future UK policy to counter international terrorism.  [117929]

[Due for Answer on 24 November.]

ANSWER

The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa (James Cleverly): We are looking into media reports that Abu Muhammad al-Masri, a senior leader within Al-Qaeda, has been killed in Iran. These reports come on the back of a number of successful operations against senior leadership figures over the past year. However, the  terrorist threat from Al-Qaeda remains. We will continue to work with international partners to fight all forms of terrorism globally, and we will work tirelessly to support those affected by it.