This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6186638.stm
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Browne to give Iraq troop pledge | Browne to give Iraq troop pledge |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Defence Secretary Des Browne is to stress his determination that British troops will not remain in Iraq longer than is necessary. | Defence Secretary Des Browne is to stress his determination that British troops will not remain in Iraq longer than is necessary. |
| He will also say that this does not mean a withdrawal, and that British troops will still provide back-up for the Iraqi army and police. | He will also say that this does not mean a withdrawal, and that British troops will still provide back-up for the Iraqi army and police. |
| Mr Browne will outline his strategy on the future of British forces in Iraq in a speech in London later. | Mr Browne will outline his strategy on the future of British forces in Iraq in a speech in London later. |
| The UK has around 7,000 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly around Basra. | The UK has around 7,000 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly around Basra. |
| British troops would also continue to help protect supply routes, Mr Browne will add. | |
| He will also say the possible handover of Basra to Iraqi forces in the spring would mark a "decisive change" in Britain's role in the country. | He will also say the possible handover of Basra to Iraqi forces in the spring would mark a "decisive change" in Britain's role in the country. |
| But steps would be taken to ensure the Iraqi forces were not asked to take on too much too quickly, he will say. | But steps would be taken to ensure the Iraqi forces were not asked to take on too much too quickly, he will say. |
| Handovers | Handovers |
| Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said last week that British-controlled Maysan province could transfer to Iraqi control in January, followed by Basra shortly afterwards. | Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said last week that British-controlled Maysan province could transfer to Iraqi control in January, followed by Basra shortly afterwards. |
| Mrs Beckett said that the handover was not definite, adding that leaving too early would make the bloodshed "even worse". | Mrs Beckett said that the handover was not definite, adding that leaving too early would make the bloodshed "even worse". |
| A UN report has said the Iraqi death toll hit a record high in October, with more than 3,700 people killed in the continuing violence. | A UN report has said the Iraqi death toll hit a record high in October, with more than 3,700 people killed in the continuing violence. |