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27/01/2005
Kennedy calls for 'proper exit strategy' from Iraq
Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, has called on the Prime Minister to set out a proper exit strategy from Iraq, following the country's elections on Sunday.
Mr Kennedy called for the phased withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, during a speech, addressing the global political issues arising from the re-election of George W. Bush as US President.
Mr Kennedy said that it was "unlikely" that the elections would end the violence in Iraq, and stated that the country had become "a crucible of militant terrorism". He said: "There are some who are of the opinion that the mere presence of British and American troops in Iraq feeds the insurgency. There is some truth in that, especially after the initial mistakes that were made, the heavy-handedness of operations like Fallujah and the well-publicised instances of abuse at the hands of coalition forces."
Mr Kennedy said he wanted to see a phased withdrawal of British troops as soon as the situation allowed. He stated that Holland, the Czech Republic and Portugal had all announced their imminent withdrawal, "regardless of the situation on the ground" and added that British troops should be replaced by forces from other countries, particularly Islamic countries.
The Liberal Democrat leader also accused the government of being "less than straightforward" in its response and said: "uncertainty is simply unacceptable – for the troops or their families".
London and Washington should develop an exit strategy that "augments and supports the democratic process", he added.
Mr Kennedy concluded: "Next week, the Prime Minister should make a statement regarding the elections in Iraq. He should set out a proper exit strategy, including the phased withdrawal of British troops, as the security situation allows."
The Liberal Democrat leader's comments came as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) anounced plans to send 220 extra troops to Iraq. The MoD said that they would replace Dutch troops who are set to return to the Netherlands in March.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Kennedy called for the phased withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, during a speech, addressing the global political issues arising from the re-election of George W. Bush as US President.
Mr Kennedy said that it was "unlikely" that the elections would end the violence in Iraq, and stated that the country had become "a crucible of militant terrorism". He said: "There are some who are of the opinion that the mere presence of British and American troops in Iraq feeds the insurgency. There is some truth in that, especially after the initial mistakes that were made, the heavy-handedness of operations like Fallujah and the well-publicised instances of abuse at the hands of coalition forces."
Mr Kennedy said he wanted to see a phased withdrawal of British troops as soon as the situation allowed. He stated that Holland, the Czech Republic and Portugal had all announced their imminent withdrawal, "regardless of the situation on the ground" and added that British troops should be replaced by forces from other countries, particularly Islamic countries.
The Liberal Democrat leader also accused the government of being "less than straightforward" in its response and said: "uncertainty is simply unacceptable – for the troops or their families".
London and Washington should develop an exit strategy that "augments and supports the democratic process", he added.
Mr Kennedy concluded: "Next week, the Prime Minister should make a statement regarding the elections in Iraq. He should set out a proper exit strategy, including the phased withdrawal of British troops, as the security situation allows."
The Liberal Democrat leader's comments came as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) anounced plans to send 220 extra troops to Iraq. The MoD said that they would replace Dutch troops who are set to return to the Netherlands in March.
(KMcA/SP)
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22 February 2005
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Australian Prime Minister John Howard has announced plans to send more Australian troops to Iraq. Speaking in Canberra today, Mr Howard announced that an extra 450 Australian troops will be sent to Iraq, to protect Japanese engineers working in the al-Muthanna province in the south of the country.
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13 October 2008
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31 October 2006
Commons to debate Iraq investigation
The government is facing the prospect of a showdown in the House of Commons today should it refuse to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war. In a debate that is the first to be held on the issue since 2004, Tories are backing an amended motion calling for a parliamentary investigation.
Commons to debate Iraq investigation
The government is facing the prospect of a showdown in the House of Commons today should it refuse to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war. In a debate that is the first to be held on the issue since 2004, Tories are backing an amended motion calling for a parliamentary investigation.
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