Lib Dems: Govt's Iraq policy is collapsing

Friday, 13, Oct 2006 12:00

The Liberal Democrats have condemned the government's "collapsing" policy on Iraq, saying a new approach is desperately needed as the country enters civil war.

Speaking after army chief general Richard Dannatt urged Tony Blair to withdraw troops "sometime soon", Lib Dem leader Menzies Campbell said: "Brick by brick government policy on Iraq is collapsing.

"Senior military figures who were always doubtful about action in Iraq and its aftermath are becoming increasingly anxious about our role and the risks involved."

He added: "There is no doubt, however, that there is a slide towards civil war.

"Time is running out. There is a desperate need for a new strategy led not by the US, but by the UN, providing for a peace process with a reinvigorated reconstruction programme and concerted international and regional engagement."

Sir Menzies added: "Read as a whole this is a formidable case against the government's foreign policy and it is firmly on the record."