Menu
15/08/2008
British Force Reductions As Iraq Security Improves
There is to be a reduction in UK troops in Iraq, according to a leading military figure.
Major General Barney White-Spunner, who has returned to London this week after six months commanding British Forces in Iraq said security was now "so good" that soldiers could "stop and eat kebabs on the city's streets".
Maj Gen White-Spunner said there was obvious "scope" for the UK Government to review troop numbers.
"The change in Basra is really very marked. As Iraq gets better and better, it will allow force reductions," he said.
The outgoing commander said that Christians and Sunni Muslims were also returning to the city and that he was confident the militias would not regain control and there was an "overwhelming feeling of optimism" in Basra.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown told MPs before the summer recess the 4,100 UK troops currently serving in Iraq would stay "for the next few months".
Mr Brown also said that there has been a "marked improvement" in conditions in Basra and the focus of the British armed forces was to "complete the task of training and mentoring the 14th Division of the Iraqi Army".
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said that although it was hoped the UK military presence would decrease "significantly" in the future, it was "too early" to discuss the "size and shape of a reduced UK forces' footprint".
He added that the change of the mission would be based on factors including the conditions on the ground and the plans of coalition partners.
The spokesman also said that the US was "fully supportive" of the UK's current position and proposals.
Britain had planned to cut troops to 2,500 by the start of this year, but a resurgence of violence in Basra late last year meant plans had to be put on hold.
Maj Gen White-Spunner says that Iraq's security forces have estimated there are barely 1,500 hardcore militants left in the city, out of a population of nearly three million.
See: British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
(DS)
Major General Barney White-Spunner, who has returned to London this week after six months commanding British Forces in Iraq said security was now "so good" that soldiers could "stop and eat kebabs on the city's streets".
Maj Gen White-Spunner said there was obvious "scope" for the UK Government to review troop numbers.
"The change in Basra is really very marked. As Iraq gets better and better, it will allow force reductions," he said.
The outgoing commander said that Christians and Sunni Muslims were also returning to the city and that he was confident the militias would not regain control and there was an "overwhelming feeling of optimism" in Basra.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown told MPs before the summer recess the 4,100 UK troops currently serving in Iraq would stay "for the next few months".
Mr Brown also said that there has been a "marked improvement" in conditions in Basra and the focus of the British armed forces was to "complete the task of training and mentoring the 14th Division of the Iraqi Army".
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said that although it was hoped the UK military presence would decrease "significantly" in the future, it was "too early" to discuss the "size and shape of a reduced UK forces' footprint".
He added that the change of the mission would be based on factors including the conditions on the ground and the plans of coalition partners.
The spokesman also said that the US was "fully supportive" of the UK's current position and proposals.
Britain had planned to cut troops to 2,500 by the start of this year, but a resurgence of violence in Basra late last year meant plans had to be put on hold.
Maj Gen White-Spunner says that Iraq's security forces have estimated there are barely 1,500 hardcore militants left in the city, out of a population of nearly three million.
See: British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
(DS)
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.
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.
31 October 2006
Commons to debate Iraq investigation
The government is facing the prospect of a showdown in the House of Commons today should it refuse to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war. In a debate that is the first to be held on the issue since 2004, Tories are backing an amended motion calling for a parliamentary investigation.
Commons to debate Iraq investigation
The government is facing the prospect of a showdown in the House of Commons today should it refuse to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war. In a debate that is the first to be held on the issue since 2004, Tories are backing an amended motion calling for a parliamentary investigation.
25 June 2003
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
-
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.
