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28/08/2007
Brown - No Timetable On Iraq Withdrawal
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has ruled out setting a timetable for the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, because he said that they still had "an important job to do".
In a letter to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that they military still had "clear obligations to discharge".
Mr Brown wrote: "It is wrong to say that the continuing presence of UK forces in Iraq will achieve little, or that they are severely restricted in what they can do.
"UK forces in Basra continue to have the capability to strike against the militias and provide overall security.
"They will continue to work with the Iraqi authorities and security forces to get them to the point where they can assume full responsibility for security."
Foreign Secretary David Miliband also stressed that US opinion would not influence British operations in Iraq.
However, Sir Menzies said: "The Prime Minister's letter simply rehearses the government line and could have been written by his predecessor. But the reality on the ground and the views of senior military figures undermine Mr Brown's analysis.
"The debate on this issue will not go away, particularly as the American presidential elections will put Iraq at the centre of American politics.
"It should now be put to the top of Britain's agenda."
(KMcA)
In a letter to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that they military still had "clear obligations to discharge".
Mr Brown wrote: "It is wrong to say that the continuing presence of UK forces in Iraq will achieve little, or that they are severely restricted in what they can do.
"UK forces in Basra continue to have the capability to strike against the militias and provide overall security.
"They will continue to work with the Iraqi authorities and security forces to get them to the point where they can assume full responsibility for security."
Foreign Secretary David Miliband also stressed that US opinion would not influence British operations in Iraq.
However, Sir Menzies said: "The Prime Minister's letter simply rehearses the government line and could have been written by his predecessor. But the reality on the ground and the views of senior military figures undermine Mr Brown's analysis.
"The debate on this issue will not go away, particularly as the American presidential elections will put Iraq at the centre of American politics.
"It should now be put to the top of Britain's agenda."
(KMcA)
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12 October 2007
Queen Unveils Memorial To Troops
The Queen has unveiled a new memorial to honour the thousands of British Armed Forces who have been killed in conflict since the end of World War II.
Queen Unveils Memorial To Troops
The Queen has unveiled a new memorial to honour the thousands of British Armed Forces who have been killed in conflict since the end of World War II.
18 December 2008
'Rapid' Iraq Withdrawal From May
Gordon Brown has confirmed there will be a 'rapid withdrawal' of UK forces from Iraq from the end of May next year. Speaking in the Commons, the Prime Minister said the number of British soldiers stationed in the country would fall from 4,100 to 400. Mr Brown said the last of combat troops could be out of Iraq by the end of July.
'Rapid' Iraq Withdrawal From May
Gordon Brown has confirmed there will be a 'rapid withdrawal' of UK forces from Iraq from the end of May next year. Speaking in the Commons, the Prime Minister said the number of British soldiers stationed in the country would fall from 4,100 to 400. Mr Brown said the last of combat troops could be out of Iraq by the end of July.
08 June 2007
Brown told 'bring them home'
The mother of a British Soldier killed in Iraq has urged Gordon Brown to withdraw troops from Iraq when he becomes prime minister. Rose Gentle's son Gordon was killed in Iraq in 2004 while serving with the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Ms Gentle said that she was sickened to learn that the 150th British soldier had been killed in Iraq.
Brown told 'bring them home'
The mother of a British Soldier killed in Iraq has urged Gordon Brown to withdraw troops from Iraq when he becomes prime minister. Rose Gentle's son Gordon was killed in Iraq in 2004 while serving with the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Ms Gentle said that she was sickened to learn that the 150th British soldier had been killed in Iraq.
11 June 2007
Brown visits besieged Baghdad
Gordon Brown has visited Baghdad as part of a "fact-finding" tour. The trip is Mr Brown's second to Iraq and he had talks with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki with tight security. Mr Brown described the trip as "an assessment more than anything else" to "listen and learn.
Brown visits besieged Baghdad
Gordon Brown has visited Baghdad as part of a "fact-finding" tour. The trip is Mr Brown's second to Iraq and he had talks with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki with tight security. Mr Brown described the trip as "an assessment more than anything else" to "listen and learn.
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”.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
