Opposition parties call for clarification on Iraq
The main opposition parties have called for the government to clarify its policy on Iraq, as British forces rescue UK troops from an Iraqi prison.
Earlier today the Ministry of Defence confirmed two British soldiers, who were arrested in Iraq for reportedly shooting dead at least one policeman, were rescued from a prison in Basra.
The servicemen had been passed by police to Shia militia, despite apparent assurances they would be released. This prompted British forces, comprising tanks and helicopters, to storm the walls of the prison.
Defence secretary John Reid responded to the incident by saying the UK forces must not give in to men of violence.
Dr Reid also told Today that troops would stay in Iraq “as long as they are needed and requested by the Iraqis”.
But shadow defence secretary Michael Ancram has written to Dr Reid asking for clarification on a number of points.
Mr Ancram asks if the government is committed to keeping troops in Iraq on an “indeterminate basis” and to giving the Iraqi government the final say in how long forces may remain.
He also voices the fear in some quarters that Iraq is now descending into civil war.
He writes: “Civil war zones are not suitable environments for peace-keeping – or even peace-making. I would like assurances that you have contingency plans in place to prevent British troops getting caught up in the middle of a civil war.”
The possibility of a civil war in a country split on ethnic and religious lines was also highlighted by Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.
“I think the events of the last 24 hours confirm what many of us have worried now over many months, that Iraq is moving more in the direction of civil war,” Mr Kennedy told reporters.
The Lib Dem leader also said that parliament must revisit the issue of Iraq, and called on the government to make public its policy on withdrawal.
