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09/09/2003
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.
Shadow Defence Secretary Bernard Jenkin said: “Britain's hard-pressed Armed Forces have been left to pick up the pieces thanks to the Government's shambolic handling of post-war Iraq.”
While Mr Jenkin welcomed the move to send additional troops as a “necessary step”, he said the Government's handling of post-war Iraq was a “complete shambles, which had left the soldiers picking up the pieces”.
He said: "This fresh contingent of troops is being cobbled together at the last minutes. Leave and training will have to be cancelled because the Army is too small to match all of Labour's defence commitments.
"The over-stretch is now chronic and is damaging the Armed Forces. This crisis goes to the heart of the Government's defence policy. They are spending less on defence than when they first came to power, but they have given more and more commitments to the Armed Forces."
Yesterday, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced that 1,200 more troops would be deployed to Iraq to help improve security across the region and support essential reconstruction.
"We are determined to help the Iraqi people to forge a new, peaceful and secure future for themselves, and we will meet this commitment with appropriate forces in Iraq for as long as required, and no longer," he said.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry and 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets are to be sent to Iraq within days.
There are currently 10,000 British troops in the Gulf, alongside 150,000 US troops and 9,000 in an international force.
(SP)
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.
Shadow Defence Secretary Bernard Jenkin said: “Britain's hard-pressed Armed Forces have been left to pick up the pieces thanks to the Government's shambolic handling of post-war Iraq.”
While Mr Jenkin welcomed the move to send additional troops as a “necessary step”, he said the Government's handling of post-war Iraq was a “complete shambles, which had left the soldiers picking up the pieces”.
He said: "This fresh contingent of troops is being cobbled together at the last minutes. Leave and training will have to be cancelled because the Army is too small to match all of Labour's defence commitments.
"The over-stretch is now chronic and is damaging the Armed Forces. This crisis goes to the heart of the Government's defence policy. They are spending less on defence than when they first came to power, but they have given more and more commitments to the Armed Forces."
Yesterday, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced that 1,200 more troops would be deployed to Iraq to help improve security across the region and support essential reconstruction.
"We are determined to help the Iraqi people to forge a new, peaceful and secure future for themselves, and we will meet this commitment with appropriate forces in Iraq for as long as required, and no longer," he said.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry and 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets are to be sent to Iraq within days.
There are currently 10,000 British troops in the Gulf, alongside 150,000 US troops and 9,000 in an international force.
(SP)
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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.
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.
29 April 2003
Two British soldiers return after Syrian detention
Two British soldiers who were being held by the Syrian government have been released today, following a visit by a Foreign Office official to Damascus. The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern Iraq.
Two British soldiers return after Syrian detention
Two British soldiers who were being held by the Syrian government have been released today, following a visit by a Foreign Office official to Damascus. The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern 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.
05 September 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.
‘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.
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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.
