Blair defends coalition forces 'right to defence'

During Prime Minister's question time today, Tony Blair fielded questions on the deteriorating situation in Iraq and defended American forces' right to defend themselves against insurgents.

Mr Blair told the House it was "perfectly right and proper" for US forces fired upon in Falluja to "take action against those insurgents".

However, the House was stilled when veteran Tory, Sir Peter Tapsell, asked whether the "murder and mutilation of hundreds of women and children" was a "suitable response" to the murder of four Americans in Falluja.

Disagreeing with Sir Peter's characterisation, Mr Blair said that 19 Iraqi police officers had also been murdered. He said that while he deeply regretted the civilian deaths in Falluja, it was necessary that order be restored.

Mr Blair added that the people that have been killing civilians in Iraq "are not actually the American soldiers".

Earlier, both Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy and Tory leader Michael Howard pressed Mr Blair on the situation in Iraq.

Mr Howard demanded to know if there was any truth in the assertion in the 52 diplomats' open letter to Mr Blair that there had been inadequate planning for a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq.

Mr Blair replied that he believed "proper planning" had been made for what happened after the toppling of former regime and that an anticipated humanitarian crisis did not happen.

Referring to the current situation in Iraq, Mr Blair added: "It is true that there is action by former regime elements, by terrorists - some of them outside terrorists who have come to Iraq.

"But it is also true that the vast majority of Iraqi people stand with the coalition in making sure that Iraq can complete a proper peaceful transition to democracy."

He pointed out to Mr Howard that he thought the Conservatives had actually supported the government decision on military action in Iraq.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy asked if Mr Blair had received a request from the US to supply more troops.

Mr Blair replied that "at the present time" he had not received such a request, but he told the House that the situation was "under constant review".

(SP)