Kennedy presses for Iraq exit plan
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has pressed the Prime Minister to set out a proper exit strategy from Iraq.
He called for the phased withdrawal of British troops following the elections in Iraq on Sunday, as the security situation allowed.
Speaking in London, he said: “I would like to see a phased withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, as soon as the situation allows. I would like to see the replacement of British troops with those from other countries, especially Islamic countries.
“I would like to see a proper exit strategy set out by London and Washington, with a timeline that augments and supports the democratic process.”
But as Mr Kennedy completed his speech, the Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon revealed that a further 220 British troops would be sent to Iraq.
In a parliamentary statement Mr Hoon said of the 600-strong force deemed sufficient to cover Iraq’s southern province of Muthanna, most would come from British units already deployed in Iraq. However, an extra 220 troops were required to provide logistical support.
They will be covering Dutch forces who are returning home in March.
Earlier Mr Kennedy had criticised the Government for being “less than straightforward in their response” to questions about the withdrawal of troops, unlike Holland, the Czech Republic, and Portugal whose troops were being withdrawn regardless of the situation on the ground.
He said: “The Prime Minister is using his usual formulation about having ‘no plans’ send in more troops to replace those leaving. But such uncertainty is simply unacceptable – for the troops or their families.”
The Liberal Democrat leader urged Mr Blair to make a statement regarding the elections in Iraq in the House of Commons next week.
