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Hutton makes surprise Iraq visit Hutton makes surprise Iraq visit
(20 minutes later)
The new defence secretary, John Hutton, is on an unannounced visit to Baghdad to meet Iraqi leaders and UK troops.The new defence secretary, John Hutton, is on an unannounced visit to Baghdad to meet Iraqi leaders and UK troops.
It is his first trip to Iraq since he took over the job from Des Browne just over two weeks ago.It is his first trip to Iraq since he took over the job from Des Browne just over two weeks ago.
The BBC's Jim Muir in Baghdad said it was partly a "getting to know you" visit to a country where more than 4,000 British forces remain stationed.The BBC's Jim Muir in Baghdad said it was partly a "getting to know you" visit to a country where more than 4,000 British forces remain stationed.
But, he said, there were also pressing issues to discuss, such as the future role of UK troops.But, he said, there were also pressing issues to discuss, such as the future role of UK troops.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said earlier this month British combat troops were no longer needed to maintain security in southern Iraq .
Although he wants some to stay on and continue training Iraqi security forces and the navy, exact numbers and the timetable for a reduction in UK troop levels have yet to be negotiated.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has signalled he expects troop numbers in the country to be cut next year.
It is thought the 4,100 British troops will be reduced as they take on a more diplomatic role.
Status of forces
Another urgent issue on the agenda is the legal mandate which covers British forces in Iraq.
The current UN Security Council mandate authorising their presence is due to expire on 31 December.
The US has already negotiated a bilateral status of forces agreement for its troops, but it has been heavily delayed.
Our correspondent said the British government was hoping to use that as a template.
If nothing was agreed by the end of the year, Iraq would have to go back to the UN to ask for a renewal of its mandate to cover the activities of all coalition forces, he added.