Menu
05/01/2004
Britain could be in Iraq for years, says Straw
Britain's military commitment in Iraq is no longer being measured in months, according to the Foreign Secretary.
In London this morning, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that coalition troops would be required to maintain stability up to and following the July 1 deadline for the official handover of power to the Iraqi governing council. Mr Straw could not confirm when a full withdrawal might occur – saying that it could be as far away as 2007.
Mr Straw pointed out that Iraq's new democratic structures would flounder if coalition troops left thus creating a stability vacuum. There are currently around 10,000 British troops stationed in Iraq.
During his surprise visit to British troops in Basra yesterday, albeit a surprise which the world's press pack were in on, Prime Minister Tony Blair heaped praise on the British soldier as the new pioneer of soldiering in the 21st century – a century where the "chaos of terrorism" will take centre-stage, rather than the monolithic threats from nations which Britain had to face in the past.
Whilst his immediate audience was a small gathering of British soldiers, the wider message for the world at large was clear – that Britain had gone to war over alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and it would do so again. Mr Blair warned that Iraq was the "test case" for other "brutal" regimes around the world.
Mr Blair also acknowledged that while there were a "few different opinions about the wisdom of conflict", there was absolutely nobody in the UK who has anything other than "enormous pride in the British Armed Forces".
He added: "And by nature and by instinct and by the intelligent use of the experience that you have had, Iraq today is taking shape under your help and with your guidance in a way that would have been unthinkable a year ago.
"So of course I want to say to you, thank you for the work that you are doing, but I think that when you come to a far away country such as this and you spend many months, it is as well to know not merely that you are fighting because that is what you have been ordered to do, but that the work that you have been doing has been in a noble and a good cause, and it has."
(gmcg)
In London this morning, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that coalition troops would be required to maintain stability up to and following the July 1 deadline for the official handover of power to the Iraqi governing council. Mr Straw could not confirm when a full withdrawal might occur – saying that it could be as far away as 2007.
Mr Straw pointed out that Iraq's new democratic structures would flounder if coalition troops left thus creating a stability vacuum. There are currently around 10,000 British troops stationed in Iraq.
During his surprise visit to British troops in Basra yesterday, albeit a surprise which the world's press pack were in on, Prime Minister Tony Blair heaped praise on the British soldier as the new pioneer of soldiering in the 21st century – a century where the "chaos of terrorism" will take centre-stage, rather than the monolithic threats from nations which Britain had to face in the past.
Whilst his immediate audience was a small gathering of British soldiers, the wider message for the world at large was clear – that Britain had gone to war over alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and it would do so again. Mr Blair warned that Iraq was the "test case" for other "brutal" regimes around the world.
Mr Blair also acknowledged that while there were a "few different opinions about the wisdom of conflict", there was absolutely nobody in the UK who has anything other than "enormous pride in the British Armed Forces".
He added: "And by nature and by instinct and by the intelligent use of the experience that you have had, Iraq today is taking shape under your help and with your guidance in a way that would have been unthinkable a year ago.
"So of course I want to say to you, thank you for the work that you are doing, but I think that when you come to a far away country such as this and you spend many months, it is as well to know not merely that you are fighting because that is what you have been ordered to do, but that the work that you have been doing has been in a noble and a good cause, and it has."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
21 June 2004
Three British navy boats seized by Iran, reports claim
Three British navy vessels, manned by eight sailors, have been seized by Iran after entering its territorial waters, it has been reported today. An Iranian military source, quoted by Reuters, said that the boats were held and the sailors arrested after an incident in the Shatt Al Arab channel which divides Iraq and Iran.
Three British navy boats seized by Iran, reports claim
Three British navy vessels, manned by eight sailors, have been seized by Iran after entering its territorial waters, it has been reported today. An Iranian military source, quoted by Reuters, said that the boats were held and the sailors arrested after an incident in the Shatt Al Arab channel which divides Iraq and Iran.
31 March 2009
Britain Hands Basra Over To US Troops
British troops have begun their official withdraw from Iraq today as Basra was formally handed to the US army. In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
Britain Hands Basra Over To US Troops
British troops have begun their official withdraw from Iraq today as Basra was formally handed to the US army. In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
13 October 2008
Iraqi PM Says 'British Troops No Longer Required'
British troops are no longer required to provide security in southern Iraq, the country's Prime Minister has told a British newspaper. Speaking to The Times, Nouri al-Maliki said there still may be a need for their experience in training Iraqi forces and other technical issues, but not as a "fighting" force.
Iraqi PM Says 'British Troops No Longer Required'
British troops are no longer required to provide security in southern Iraq, the country's Prime Minister has told a British newspaper. Speaking to The Times, Nouri al-Maliki said there still may be a need for their experience in training Iraqi forces and other technical issues, but not as a "fighting" force.
02 October 2007
1,000 More British Troops To Leave Iraq
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced 1,000 more British troops will leave Iraq by the end of the year. He also confirmed Basra province could be handed over to full Iraqi control in the next two months.
1,000 More British Troops To Leave Iraq
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced 1,000 more British troops will leave Iraq by the end of the year. He also confirmed Basra province could be handed over to full Iraqi control in the next two months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
