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/world/6975375.stm

The article has changed 23 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
UK troops begin Basra withdrawal UK troops begin Basra withdrawal
(about 2 hours later)
British troops in Iraq have begun to withdraw from their base at Basra Palace in the southern city, the Iraqi Defence Ministry has announced. British troops in Iraq are expected to complete a withdrawal from their Basra Palace base in the next few days, Ministry of Defence has said.
The 550 personnel are leaving to join the remaining 5,000 troops at the last British base near Basra Airport. The 550 soldiers are handing the palace over to Iraqi control and joining the remaining 5,000 troops at the last British base near Basra Airport.
A Downing Street spokesman confirmed Prime Minister Gordon Brown was aware of the operation. The MoD said the handover of Basra itself was now expected in the autumn.
The withdrawal from Basra Palace was part of the ongoing process of handing over to Iraqi security forces, he said. A Downing Street spokesman confirmed Prime Minister Gordon Brown was aware of the operation at the palace.
He added that the prime minister was aware the operation was happening, but it was a military matter. He added the withdrawal was part of the ongoing process of handing over to Iraqi security forces.
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". 'Iraqi-led initiative'
In Basra, Major Mike Shearer said an operation was ongoing, but he would not give any further details. He would not confirm 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".
British troops started pulling out of Basra Palace on Sunday night.
UK troops have been based in southern Iraq
An MoD statement said: "Handing over Basra Palace to the Iraqi authorities has long been our intention, as we have stated publicly on numerous occasions.
"We expect the handover to occur in the next few days. The Iraqi security forces want to take full responsibility for their own security and the handover is a step towards that goal.
"The decision is an Iraqi-led initiative and is part of a coalition-endorsed process, developed in consultation with the Iraqi government, and follows the successful handover of several other bases within and around the city."
The MoD said UK forces would now operate from their base at Basra Air Station and "retain security responsibility" for Basra until the full handover. The military will continue to train Iraqi troops.
US surgeUS surge
The head of Iraqi security forces in Basra province, General Mohan Tahir, made the announcement of the withdrawal at his first ever news conference in the city. The head of Iraqi security forces in Basra province, General Mohan Tahir, gave details of the withdrawal at his first ever news conference in the city.
He said Iraqi troops were now in control of Basra Palace.He said Iraqi troops were now in control of Basra Palace.
The BBC's correspondent in Baghdad, Richard Galpin, said this was a "highly symbolic moment, marking the end of Britain's physical military presence in any Iraqi city".The BBC's correspondent in Baghdad, Richard Galpin, said this was a "highly symbolic moment, marking the end of Britain's physical military presence in any Iraqi city".
I see this as a necessary step towards what I believe to be the withdrawal which would be in the interests of British forces Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies CampbellI see this as a necessary step towards what I believe to be the withdrawal which would be in the interests of British forces Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell
He said it was his understanding that the British troops would primarily be involved in what is called an "overwatch" position.He said it was his understanding that the British troops would primarily be involved in what is called an "overwatch" position.
This will mean they cannot go out unless called, but they will still train and mentor Iraqi security forces.This will mean they cannot go out unless called, but they will still train and mentor Iraqi security forces.
Over the past year British forces have handed over control of three Iraqi southern provinces.Over the past year British forces have handed over control of three Iraqi southern provinces.
Only Basra province remains under their control, and there is speculation that that handover could take place within the next few months, our correspondent adds. Only Basra province remains under their control, and there has been speculation that the handover could take place within the next few months, our correspondent adds.
And the security situation in the city will be watched closely, as there are concerns that rival Shia factions could vie for control. The security situation in the city will be watched closely, as there are concerns rival Shia factions could vie for control.
The BBC's political correspondent, Carole Walker, said this was part of Gordon Brown's own approach towards Iraq and "a real attempt to distance himself from the approach of Tony Blair".
This could lead to a more uncomfortable relationship between Britain and America on this issue, she adds, at a time when the US is talking about reinforcing the surge of additional American troops.
But Mr Brown has refused to give any timetable for the withdrawal of UK troops from the country.
'Necessary step''Necessary step'
The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, told BBC News 24 he thought the pull-out marked the end of British troops' role in Iraq.The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, told BBC News 24 he thought the pull-out marked the end of British troops' role in Iraq.
"I think it's an admission that the sort of role which has been performed from Basra Palace is no longer effective," he said. He said: "It's an admission that the sort of role which has been performed from Basra Palace is no longer effective.
"I see this as a necessary step towards what I believe to be the withdrawal which would be in the interests of British forces.""I see this as a necessary step towards what I believe to be the withdrawal which would be in the interests of British forces."
Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said the forces' families would want to know that every possible precaution had been taken to maximise the troops' safety during this period. Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said the forces' families would want to know every possible precaution had been taken to maximise the troops' safety during this period.
"Our troops must not be put at needless risk to satisfy the political needs of Gordon Brown's government. Any moves must be based upon the military reality on the ground." "Our troops must not be put at needless risk to satisfy the political needs of Gordon Brown's government. Any moves must be based upon the military reality on the ground," he said.