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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| UK soldiers begin Basra pull-out | UK soldiers begin Basra pull-out |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| British troops have begun to withdraw from their base at Basra Palace in the city, the Iraqi Defence Ministry has announced. | |
| They are withdrawing to the last remaining British base near Basra Airport. | They are withdrawing to the last remaining British base near Basra Airport. |
| About 550 British troops were based at the Palace. | About 550 British troops were based at the Palace. |
| A military spokesman in Basra, Major Mike Shearer, said: "I can confirm that an operation is ongoing, but we will not give any further details." | A military spokesman in Basra, Major Mike Shearer, said: "I can confirm that an operation is ongoing, but we will not give any further details." |
| A Downing Street spokesman said the withdrawal from Basra Palace was part of the ongoing process of handing over to Iraqi security forces. | |
| He said the prime minister was aware that it was happening, but it was a military matter. | |
| He would not confirm that this would mean an overall reduction in the number of troops on the ground in Iraq, saying this would "depend on the assessment of commanders on the ground over the coming weeks and months". | |
| US surge | |
| The BBC's political correspondent, Carole Walker, said this was part of Gordon Brown's own approach towards Iraq and part of "a real attempt to distance himself from the approach of Tony Blair". | |
| But Mr Brown has refused to give any timetable for the withdrawal of UK troops from the country. | |
| This could lead to a more uncomfortable relationship between Britain and America on this issue, our correspondent adds, at a time when the US is talking about reinforcing the surge of additional American troops. |