Tories: We welcome Iraq comments

Friday, 13, Oct 2006 12:00

The Conservatives have welcomed general Richard Dannatt's criticism of the treatment of injured soldiers.

Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox also supported the army chief's concerns that British troops were increasingly unwelcome in Iraq, saying the attitude "had moved from welcoming to consent to tolerance".

But because Tory leader David Cameron has insisted Britain "should see it through" in Iraq, Mr Fox directed his criticism at government policy, not Britain's presence.

"It has always been clear that we would not have an infinite amount of time to carry out our task, but we must recognise the great job that our troops do and that two provinces have already handed over to civilian rule," he said.

Mr Fox said it was no surprise that "fundamentalists and extremists" would use Iraq "as a recruiting tool" and called for "urgent clarification" on Britain's strategy.

He noted the timing of Sir Richard's interview, "which occurs at a time when the prime minister's authority seems to be ebbing away."