Labour Party to debate Iraq
The attention at the Labour Party conference will today turn to international affairs, with some delegates pushing for a vote on the withdrawal of UK troops from Iraq.
Anti-war delegates secured an emergency motion earlier in the week, calling for a vote on the early withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
It is, however, not clear whether a vote will actually be called on the issue.
Though the party leadership has insisted it is not trying to sideline the issue of Iraq, a vote for the withdrawal of troops would be highly embarrassing and senior figures have been working behind the scenes in search of a compromise.
It has been suggested that the “big four” unions of Amicus, the GMB, Unison and the TGWU – who hold around 40 per cent of the conference vote – have agreed to back an alternative Government position.
This position would re-iterate the sovereignty of the Iraqi government after democratic elections, and suggest that troops should only be withdrawn on the request of an elected government.
Opposition parties are though critical at the possible avoidance of a vote. Commenting yesterday, Sir Menzies Campbell, who speaks on foreign affairs for the Liberal Democrats, said: “It is a funny kind of party conference which manages not to have a vote on the most significant political issue of recent times.”
Aside from Iraq, delegates are expected to discuss wider foreign affairs and international development issues including Afghanistan, Africa, and the UK’s aid budget.
