Voters opposed to further troop deployment
A new poll has shown that the British public are strongly opposed to the idea that more British troops should be sent to Iraq.
With the June 30th deadline for the handover of power rapidly approaching and the security situation still unstable, the coalition leaders are reported to be considering sending extra troops.
The recent withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq has also left a hole which some analysts assumed would be filled by the British.
Tuesday’s ICM survey for The Guardian reveals that 66 per cent of the public are against the idea of despatching 3000 extra troops.
The Ministry of Defence has repeatedly insisted that no decision on whether to send extra troops has been made.
84 per cent also believe that any extra troops sent should be under the direct control of British commanders, in the British controlled sector.
If troops were sent to replace the Spanish forces they would likely be based around Najaf in the north where there is ongoing fighting between American troops and militia loyal to Shia cleric Moqtada al Sadar.
The United Kingdom still seems split on the existing troop deployment. The poll also showed an eight point increase in those believing that British troops should withdraw now, up to 35 per cent.
However, 45 per cent said they agreed with the statement that the troops should remain in Iraq as long as necessary.
Mr Blair is due to give his monthly press conference at noon on Tuesday. He is likely to be pressed hard on the future and numbers of British troops in Iraq.
