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/uk/7140550.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Basra handover to Iraq on Sunday Basra handover to Iraq on Sunday
(41 minutes later)
British forces will hand back control of security in Basra province to Iraq on Sunday, it has been confirmed.British forces will hand back control of security in Basra province to Iraq on Sunday, it has been confirmed.
An Iraqi government spokesman announced that "the handover would go ahead on the 16th of this month".An Iraqi government spokesman announced that "the handover would go ahead on the 16th of this month".
The UK's Maj Mike Shearer said the setting of a date for the handover to Iraqi authorities was a "very positive step in the right direction".The UK's Maj Mike Shearer said the setting of a date for the handover to Iraqi authorities was a "very positive step in the right direction".
Gordon Brown said the move would take place inside two weeks when he visited British troops in Iraq at the weekend.Gordon Brown said the move would take place inside two weeks when he visited British troops in Iraq at the weekend.
'Security responsibility''Security responsibility'
Maj Shearer told BBC Radio 4's The World at One: "We absolutely welcome the announcement that we are going to move to Iraqi provincial control on the 16th.Maj Shearer told BBC Radio 4's The World at One: "We absolutely welcome the announcement that we are going to move to Iraqi provincial control on the 16th.
"That's a very positive step in the right direction and clear recognition that the security situation is such that the Iraqi security forces are able to take on that responsibility.""That's a very positive step in the right direction and clear recognition that the security situation is such that the Iraqi security forces are able to take on that responsibility."
The prime minister said the province - the final area of Iraq which is still under UK control - would be handed back when he addressed British troops at Basra air station on an unannounced visit. The prime minister said the province - the final area of Iraq which is still under UK control - would be handed back when he addressed troops at Basra air station on an unannounced visit.
His announcement came following talks between Mr Brown and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki. Mr Brown's announcement followed telephone talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.
The 4,500 British troops still in Iraq will now focus on training Iraqi forces. 'Absolutely confident'
UK troop numbers are set to be reduced to 2,500 from the spring. Ministers announced in October that December would be the deadline for the handover.
The 4,500 British troops still in Iraq will now focus on training Iraqi forces. UK troop numbers are set to be reduced to 2,500 from the spring.
Maj Shearer said: "I am absolutely confident...that the Iraqi security forces here in Basra are ready to take on responsibility for policing their own streets."
The Iraqi announcement came as three car bombs exploded in the southern city of Amara, in neighbouring Maysan province, which police say killed at least 39 people and injured more than 100.
In the Commons, acting Liberal Democrat leader Vincent Cable said the "continuing tragedy" in Iraq was the "real disaster" for the prime minister.
Mr Brown said Iraq now had a democratic government and that violence was down 90% in recent months.