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31/01/2006
British soldier killed in Iraq explosion
A British solider has died in an explosion in southern Iraq, taking the total death toll of UK military personnel to 100.
The solider, who is from the 7th Armoured Brigade, was killed in the blast in Um Qasr, in the Basra province around 08:34 local time (04:34 GMT).
Three other soldiers from the same regiment were also injured in the explosion, one seriously.
The announcement comes just one day after another British soldier was shot and killed in the southern Maysan province.
Lance Corporal Allan Douglas, 22, died after being shot in an ambush outside a police station on Monday.
The official spokesperson for Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he was "deeply saddened" by the latest deaths. He said: "No life is worth this kind of sacrifice, but in terms of why we are in Iraq, we have now had three democratic elections in a country that was brutalised for decades.
"It's a tough struggle to make progress, particularly because there are those determined to stop democracy in Iraq, but the Prime Minister believes it is worth preserving with that struggle because we are making progress."
Defence Secretary John Reid said that the death was an "appropriate time" to reflect on the "dedication, courage, professionalism and sacrifice" of the armed forces and their families.
However, the deaths have prompted fresh calls for British troops to withdraw from Iraq. Reg Keys, whose son Thomas was one of six Redcaps killed in Iraq, and anti-war Respect MP George Galloway are among those who have reiterated calls for the UK to withdraw its troops.
Around 230 British troops have been injured since the conflict in Iraq began in 2003. Of the 100 personnel who have died, 77 are classed as having been killed in action, while 23 have died from illness, non-combat injuries, accident or an unknown cause.
(KMcA)
The solider, who is from the 7th Armoured Brigade, was killed in the blast in Um Qasr, in the Basra province around 08:34 local time (04:34 GMT).
Three other soldiers from the same regiment were also injured in the explosion, one seriously.
The announcement comes just one day after another British soldier was shot and killed in the southern Maysan province.
Lance Corporal Allan Douglas, 22, died after being shot in an ambush outside a police station on Monday.
The official spokesperson for Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he was "deeply saddened" by the latest deaths. He said: "No life is worth this kind of sacrifice, but in terms of why we are in Iraq, we have now had three democratic elections in a country that was brutalised for decades.
"It's a tough struggle to make progress, particularly because there are those determined to stop democracy in Iraq, but the Prime Minister believes it is worth preserving with that struggle because we are making progress."
Defence Secretary John Reid said that the death was an "appropriate time" to reflect on the "dedication, courage, professionalism and sacrifice" of the armed forces and their families.
However, the deaths have prompted fresh calls for British troops to withdraw from Iraq. Reg Keys, whose son Thomas was one of six Redcaps killed in Iraq, and anti-war Respect MP George Galloway are among those who have reiterated calls for the UK to withdraw its troops.
Around 230 British troops have been injured since the conflict in Iraq began in 2003. Of the 100 personnel who have died, 77 are classed as having been killed in action, while 23 have died from illness, non-combat injuries, accident or an unknown cause.
(KMcA)
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