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Browne to give Iraq troop pledge UK troop levels in Iraq to fall
(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. 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.
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. Des Browne said it was hoped that local Iraqi forces would take control of Basra, in the south of the country, in the spring.
Mr Browne will outline his strategy on the future of British forces in Iraq in a speech in London later. 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 help protect supply routes, Mr Browne will add. British troops would also continue to provide back-up for the Iraqi army and police and help to protect supply routes, Mr Browne said.
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 said the possible handover of Basra 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.
HandoversHandovers
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". She said 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.