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British Iraqi pull-out imminent British Iraqi pull-out imminent
(41 minutes later)
The end of the UK's military presence in Iraq is imminent after six years.The end of the UK's military presence in Iraq is imminent after six years.
Defence Secretary John Hutton is in Basra for a memorial service at 0830 BST for the 179 British personnel who have died during the conflict. A memorial service is taking place in Basra for the 179 British personnel who have died during the conflict, attended by Defence Secretary John Hutton.
Defence officials say plans for the withdrawal of British forces in Iraq are well advanced.Defence officials say plans for the withdrawal of British forces in Iraq are well advanced.
They began their official pull-out last month when the UK's commander in the south of the country, Maj Gen Andy Salmon, handed over to a US general.They began their official pull-out last month when the UK's commander in the south of the country, Maj Gen Andy Salmon, handed over to a US general.
British troops took a step closer to withdrawal at the start of the year when Basra International Airport - used as a UK military base during the conflict - was passed to full Iraqi control.British troops took a step closer to withdrawal at the start of the year when Basra International Airport - used as a UK military base during the conflict - was passed to full Iraqi control.
BBC News defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt says there is a sense of relief for many British servicemen and women that their final tour of Iraq is winding down.BBC News defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt says there is a sense of relief for many British servicemen and women that their final tour of Iraq is winding down.
Sergent Steve Denny and Rifelman Sameer Hassan talk about their time on duty, and getting ready to leave Basra.Sergent Steve Denny and Rifelman Sameer Hassan talk about their time on duty, and getting ready to leave Basra.
Some are now serving on their fourth tour, taking them away from home for two years out of the last six.Some are now serving on their fourth tour, taking them away from home for two years out of the last six.
Our correspondent says many of them will look back with mixed emotions.Our correspondent says many of them will look back with mixed emotions.
Southern Iraq is more peaceful than it was a year ago but when British forces invaded Iraq as part of the US-led coalition in 2003 few people imagined troops would still be in the country six years later.Southern Iraq is more peaceful than it was a year ago but when British forces invaded Iraq as part of the US-led coalition in 2003 few people imagined troops would still be in the country six years later.
As British forces prepare to leave Iraq, senior commanders admit they have learned lessons from the campaign.As British forces prepare to leave Iraq, senior commanders admit they have learned lessons from the campaign.
It was a conflict that showed the strengths and weaknesses of the British armed forces.It was a conflict that showed the strengths and weaknesses of the British armed forces.
There were acts of great heroism but also a force that came under great strain, fighting on two fronts - in Iraq and Afghanistan.There were acts of great heroism but also a force that came under great strain, fighting on two fronts - in Iraq and Afghanistan.