Brown promises Basra handover by Christmas

Gordon Brown has met with British troops

Monday, 10, Dec 2007 12:00

Gordon Brown has announced Basra will be handed back to Iraqi control by Christmas.

In an unannounced visit to the Iraqi city, the prime minister confirmed the long-awaited handover of power to Iraqi forces will be completed within two weeks.

The 4,500 British troops that are left in Basra will train Iraqi forces, which will augment the 30,000 Iraqi police and armed forces maintaining security in the province.

British troop numbers are set to be further cut to 2,500 in the spring.

Mr Brown announced in October that Basra would return to Iraqi control by the end of the year, then also flying to Iraq to update British troops personally.

Speaking to forces at Basra air station yesterday he said Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki has approved the final handover.

Mr Brown said: "I have just talked to prime minister Maliki and he asked me to pass on his thanks to you for what you have done to help rebuild the democracy of Iraq.

"It's because of all the operations we have done over the past few months that the security situation has not only improved, but he is now recommending we move to provincial Iraqi control within two weeks."

The prime minister insisted UK efforts had left Iraq in a "far better position", despite the "difficulties we face" and casualties incurred.

Mr Brown continued: "Not that violence has ended, but we are able to move to provincial Iraqi control and that's thanks to everything you have achieved.

"I know many of you will not be home for Christmas, but I do appreciate the spirit of service that means you are serving here the national interest at Christmas time."

The Liberal Democrats dismissed Mr Brown's visit - which comes at a time when the prime minister is under pressure to prove his support for the armed forces – as a re-announcement.

Acting Lib Dem leader Vince Cable said there is no justification for any continuing presence in Iraq and repeated calls for the government to set out a full timetable for withdrawal.

Mr Cable said: "Mr Brown must explain why so many troops are necessary for what is essentially a training mission."

This weekend the Liberal Democrats launched their own campaign to improve welfare for the armed forces and increasing pressure on Mr Brown to renew the military covenant.

Mr Cable said: “The Liberal Democrats believe the time has come for us to have a new military covenant that ensures politicians honour their debt to the armed forces.

"The members of our armed forces give their utmost to their country and are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. There is no excuse for being cheap when dealing with their welfare."