Menu
25/10/2006
Blair defends British soldiers' presence in Iraq
Prime Minister Tony Blair has insisted that there will be no withdrawal from Iraq until Iraqi forces are confident that they can handle security in the country, it has been reported.
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons Mr Blair told MPs there would be 'no change in strategy' despite mounting calls for an early withdrawal and warned that leaving now would amount to 'a complete betrayal' of both Iraqis and UK forces.
Senior MPs from all parties have called for a full Commons debate on Iraq as conflict continues in the trouble spot.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, who wants a vote on whether troops should pull out - and shadow foreign secretary William Hague have also made high profile calls for the debate.
The Prime Minister told the Commons: "Let me make one thing absolutely clear and abundantly clear: there will be no change in the strategy of withdrawal from Iraq only happening when the Iraqi forces are confident that they can handle security.
"To do anything else would be a complete betrayal not just of the Iraqi people, but of all the sacrifices that have been made by our armed forces over the years."
News sources have also reported that US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is among members of the Bush administration who have been speaking out to try and convince voters that success can be achieved in Iraq.
A review of American options is being carried out by former US Secretary of State James Baker, to be published after the November 7 elections.
(DS)
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons Mr Blair told MPs there would be 'no change in strategy' despite mounting calls for an early withdrawal and warned that leaving now would amount to 'a complete betrayal' of both Iraqis and UK forces.
Senior MPs from all parties have called for a full Commons debate on Iraq as conflict continues in the trouble spot.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, who wants a vote on whether troops should pull out - and shadow foreign secretary William Hague have also made high profile calls for the debate.
The Prime Minister told the Commons: "Let me make one thing absolutely clear and abundantly clear: there will be no change in the strategy of withdrawal from Iraq only happening when the Iraqi forces are confident that they can handle security.
"To do anything else would be a complete betrayal not just of the Iraqi people, but of all the sacrifices that have been made by our armed forces over the years."
News sources have also reported that US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is among members of the Bush administration who have been speaking out to try and convince voters that success can be achieved in Iraq.
A review of American options is being carried out by former US Secretary of State James Baker, to be published after the November 7 elections.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 October 2006
Blair says 'no change' in Iraq strategy
Prime Minister Tony Blair has stressed that there will be no change in his strategy on British troops in Iraq in spite of increasing criticism. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Blair said that the withdrawal of UK troops from Iraq prematurely would be “disastrous”.
Blair says 'no change' in Iraq strategy
Prime Minister Tony Blair has stressed that there will be no change in his strategy on British troops in Iraq in spite of increasing criticism. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Blair said that the withdrawal of UK troops from Iraq prematurely would be “disastrous”.
10 December 2007
PM Praises Basra Troops As 'Pull-Out' Looms
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has praised British troops in Iraq as he announced that Basra will be handed back to Iraqi control within two weeks. Mr Brown made the announcement during a surprise visit to troops in Iraq.
PM Praises Basra Troops As 'Pull-Out' Looms
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has praised British troops in Iraq as he announced that Basra will be handed back to Iraqi control within two weeks. Mr Brown made the announcement during a surprise visit to troops in Iraq.
14 November 2005
Iraq troops return ‘reasonable’ says Blair
The withdrawal of British troops from Iraq within the next year is “entirely reasonable”, the Prime Minister said. Speaking after a meeting with Iraqi vice-president Adil Abdul Mahdi in Downing Street, Tony Blair said: “It is entirely reasonable to talk about the withdrawal of troops from Iraq next year.
Iraq troops return ‘reasonable’ says Blair
The withdrawal of British troops from Iraq within the next year is “entirely reasonable”, the Prime Minister said. Speaking after a meeting with Iraqi vice-president Adil Abdul Mahdi in Downing Street, Tony Blair said: “It is entirely reasonable to talk about the withdrawal of troops from Iraq next year.
05 May 2004
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
04 May 2004
Armed forces minister due to comment on torture photos
Armed forces Minister, Adam Ingram, is due to make a statement to the House of Commons, regarding a series of photos, which appear to show UK troops abusing an Iraqi prisoner.
Armed forces minister due to comment on torture photos
Armed forces Minister, Adam Ingram, is due to make a statement to the House of Commons, regarding a series of photos, which appear to show UK troops abusing an Iraqi prisoner.
-
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.
