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_politics/6187038.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Cameron visits UK troops in Iraq Cameron visits UK troops in Iraq
(30 minutes later)
Conservative leader David Cameron has arrived in Iraq for a one-day fact-finding visit. Conservative leader David Cameron and shadow foreign secretary William Hague are in Iraq on a fact-finding visit.
He is visiting UK troops based in the southern city of Basra, his party said. The pair are visiting UK troops based in the southern city of Basra.
He had been due to give a keynote speech at a business conference in London, but shadow chancellor George Osborne will now replace him. Mr Cameron was due to speak at the CBI business conference in London, but shadow chancellor George Osborne will now replace him.
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett announced last week that security of the Basra area could be handed over to Iraq forces by next spring.Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett announced last week that security of the Basra area could be handed over to Iraq forces by next spring.
Defence Secretary Des Browne is to stress on Monday that although that will mark a "decisive change" for Britain's role in the country, it will not mean all British troops leaving Iraq. 'Critical issue'
Mr Cameron said: "The situation in Iraq is one of the most critical issues facing the British government and our country."
He said he wanted to show his support to troops and hear their experiences.
He also said he wanted "to get a more direct understanding of the political situation by meeting Iraqi politicians and to look at the prospects for halting the terrible cycle of violence and for making the transition to Iraqi control over security".
Back in London, Defence Secretary Des Browne is stressing that although handing over security in the spring will mark a "decisive change" for Britain's role in the country, it will not mean all British troops leaving Iraq.
'Missed opportunity'
Instead, a substantial number are expected to be based outside Basra, available to help with security if needed.Instead, a substantial number are expected to be based outside Basra, available to help with security if needed.
Mr Cameron's absence from the CBI conference on Monday "disappointed" organisers.
CBI president Sir John Sunderland, said: "It would have given him a chance to address some of the uncertainties about his position on a number of important business issues, so we see this as a missed opportunity."
Chancellor Gordon Brown visited British troops in Basra earlier this month.