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UK troop levels in Iraq to fall UK troop levels in Iraq to fall
(40 minutes later)
The number of UK troops in Iraq is set to be "significantly lower by a matter of thousands" at the end of next year, the defence secretary has said.The number of UK troops in Iraq is set to be "significantly lower by a matter of thousands" at the end of next year, the defence secretary has said.
Des Browne said it was hoped that local Iraqi forces would take control of Basra, in the south of the country, in the spring.Des Browne said it was hoped that local Iraqi forces would take control of Basra, in the south of the country, in the spring.
But a "drawing down" of troops did not mean a withdrawal because the Iraqis would still need back-up, he said.But a "drawing down" of troops did not mean a withdrawal because the Iraqis would still need back-up, he said.
The UK has about 7,000 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly around Basra.The UK has about 7,000 troops in the south of Iraq, mostly around Basra.
British troops would also continue to provide back-up for the Iraqi army and police and help to protect supply routes, Mr Browne said. Mr Browne restated Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett's assertion that British-controlled Maysan province could transfer to Iraqi control in January, followed by Basra shortly afterwards.
He said the possible handover of Basra in the spring would mark a "decisive change" in Britain's role in the country. I can tell you that by the end of next year I expect numbers of British forces in Iraq to be significantly lower by a matter of thousands Des Browne
But steps would be taken to ensure the Iraqi forces were not asked to take on too much too quickly. But a handover did not mean a withdrawal of troops, he said.
Handovers "Even when all of the provinces are handed over, we will still be providing a force to mentor and back up the Iraqi army and police and to protect coalition supply routes," he said.
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said last week that British-controlled Maysan province could transfer to Iraqi control in January, followed by Basra shortly afterwards. "I do not believe it is right to give precise numbers, nor to assume what the next 12 months will hold.
She said the handover was not definite, adding that leaving too early would make the bloodshed "even worse". "But I can tell you that by the end of next year I expect numbers of British forces in Iraq to be significantly lower by a matter of thousands."
He would not allow "a single one of the 7,000 total British soldiers, sailors and air personnel to stay in Iraq longer than necessary", he said.
He also warned that insurgent attacks could rise in the coming weeks and months.
"As we move towards handover, perversely, the number of attacks on us may increase," he said.
Iran 'concern'
Mr Browne said lasting progress in Iraq could only be achieved with "security, politics and economy" with security having priority.
It [Iran] has influence inside Iraq, the power to turn up or down the heat, to turn on or off the dialogue Des Browne
And he called on Iraq's neighbours to play their part in helping its reconstruction, saying the behaviour of Iran remained "a deep concern".
"It has influence inside Iraq, the power to turn up or down the heat, to turn on or off the dialogue," he said.
"It is not using that influence well."
The message to Iran was simple, he said.
"Be a constructive partner. Help yourself - as well as the wider region - or face increasing isolation."
Last week, announcing plans to hand over the remaining British-controlled provinces to the Iraqis, Ms Beckett said 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.