New UK ambassador for Iraq

A new diplomat is set to take on probably the most dangerous UK diplomatic position; that of ambassador to Iraq.

William Patey will succeed Edward Chaplin in Baghdad this month.

The 51-year-old has extensive experience in the Middle East having been ambassador to Khartoum since 2002 and was head of the Foreign Office’s Middle East department from 1998 to 2002.

Although the US and UK insist the war against insurgents in Iraq is being won, each day brings reports of new suicide and car bombings.