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05/09/2003
‘Urgent review’ of UK troops for Iraq underway
An urgent review of British troop numbers in Iraq is being carried out as the UK considers sending more troops in, as attacks on coalition forces continue.
This morning, Conservative Shadow defence secretary Bernard Jenkin said Britain would have to “bite the bullet” even though resources were overstretched following the campaign in Iraq.
Speaking yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that troop numbers were “constantly under review” but that unless a recommendation for more troops came from military commanders, they would not be provided.
However, Mr Jenkin, when questioned if the prime minister knew what was going on, said: “When Parliament returns on Monday, the opposition will be demanding a full Parliamentary statement from the defence secretary about the military situation in Iraq.
“The MoD's decision to announce a review of UK troop levels in Iraq confirms that there is a crisis in the MoD. Labour has given us the smallest army since the days of Wellington. They have failed to recruit the 5,000 extra soldiers they promised. Now they cannot run military operations without overworking our soldiers and cancelling vital training.”
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, who has opposed the war, cautiously backed a “positive approach” to the Iraq situation.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a review of the troop situation would be ready in time for the recalling of Parliament next Monday, September 8.
Earlier this week, a leaked memo from Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to Tony Blair is reported to have warned that 5,000 more British troops may be required for duty in Iraq or there was a risk of a “strategic failure”.
(SP)
This morning, Conservative Shadow defence secretary Bernard Jenkin said Britain would have to “bite the bullet” even though resources were overstretched following the campaign in Iraq.
Speaking yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that troop numbers were “constantly under review” but that unless a recommendation for more troops came from military commanders, they would not be provided.
However, Mr Jenkin, when questioned if the prime minister knew what was going on, said: “When Parliament returns on Monday, the opposition will be demanding a full Parliamentary statement from the defence secretary about the military situation in Iraq.
“The MoD's decision to announce a review of UK troop levels in Iraq confirms that there is a crisis in the MoD. Labour has given us the smallest army since the days of Wellington. They have failed to recruit the 5,000 extra soldiers they promised. Now they cannot run military operations without overworking our soldiers and cancelling vital training.”
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, who has opposed the war, cautiously backed a “positive approach” to the Iraq situation.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a review of the troop situation would be ready in time for the recalling of Parliament next Monday, September 8.
Earlier this week, a leaked memo from Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to Tony Blair is reported to have warned that 5,000 more British troops may be required for duty in Iraq or there was a risk of a “strategic failure”.
(SP)
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25 June 2003
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
08 September 2003
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
12 March 2008
Defence Secretary On Surprise Iraq Visit
Defence Secretary Des Browne has arrived in Basra for a surprise visit to British troops, it has been confirmed. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mr Browne had arrived in Iraq on a "general visit", but have not revealed how long the Defence Secretary will be staying in the country.
Defence Secretary On Surprise Iraq Visit
Defence Secretary Des Browne has arrived in Basra for a surprise visit to British troops, it has been confirmed. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mr Browne had arrived in Iraq on a "general visit", but have not revealed how long the Defence Secretary will be staying in the country.
09 September 2003
Tories seek answers on Iraq ‘shambles’
Plans revealed yesterday by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to send another 1,200 British soldiers to bolster operations in Iraq have been slammed by Tories. Conservatives have described the Government’s policy as a “shambles” and will be pressing ministers today on what detailed plans are in place to reconstruct post-war Iraq.
Tories seek answers on Iraq ‘shambles’
Plans revealed yesterday by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to send another 1,200 British soldiers to bolster operations in Iraq have been slammed by Tories. Conservatives have described the Government’s policy as a “shambles” and will be pressing ministers today on what detailed plans are in place to reconstruct post-war Iraq.
23 February 2007
More British troops to be sent to Afghanistan
More than 1,000 extra British troops are to be sent to Afghanistan, it has been reported. Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to announce details of the new deployment to the House of Commons on Monday. There are currently 5,600 British troops in Afghanistan, as part of Nato's 35,000-strong International Security Assistance.
More British troops to be sent to Afghanistan
More than 1,000 extra British troops are to be sent to Afghanistan, it has been reported. Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to announce details of the new deployment to the House of Commons on Monday. There are currently 5,600 British troops in Afghanistan, as part of Nato's 35,000-strong International Security Assistance.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
