Fears over UK Iraq redeployment
news.bbc.co.uk
British troops have secured local goodwill in southern Iraq
Former foreign secretary Robin Cook fears British troops will be held responsible for US aggression if they are redeployed in Iraq.
He said, in contrast to UK troops, heavy-handed tactics used by US forces had caused anger among local people.
Opposition MPs have expressed concern at plans to free up American troops by moving British soldiers to Baghdad.
Up to 50,000 people are expected at a demonstration in London on Sunday calling for UK troops to leave Iraq.
'Troops out'
The event, organised by the Stop The War Coalition, is supported by the family of murdered hostage Ken Bigley.
BBC defence correspondent Paul Adams said it was thought a US unit had been earmarked for "combat operations" in the insurgent stronghold of Falluja and the UK Government was now considering the US request for the British to "backfill".
We have to make sure that we have an equal share in the planning
Shadow Defence Secretary Nicholas Soames
Have Your Say
Bigley support for anti-war march
PM 'agrees to host US missiles'
If British troops were sent to cover for the US, it would be somewhere to the south of Baghdad in "a reasonably benign environment", similar to the British army's base in Basra, he said.
The deployment, which would involve up to 650 personnel coming under US command, would last only "a few weeks".
'Heavy-handed'
But Mr Cook said: "For a year Britain has been trying in vain to persuade US forces to show the same restraint as our troops, who have won a lot of local goodwill.
"The real risk of sending a British battalion into the US sector is that our troops could become associated in Iraqi minds with US methods.
"The last time US forces attacked Falluja, they left 1,000 civilians dead and uproar across Iraq at their heavy-handed tactics.
"There is a danger that if Britain frees up US forces for the next assault we may be held equally responsible by Iraqis for what happens to the residents of Fallujah."
Shadow defence secretary Nicholas Soames said peacekeeping was an "alien concept" to US forces.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the UK must have an "equal say" in US plans to defeat insurgents.
BRITISH FORCES IN IRAQ
9,200 troops deployed to the Gulf
1,400 of those are reservists
Most troops in Basra and al Muthanna provinces
1 Mechanised Brigade is currently 'lead formation'
6,315 troops from 10 nations also serve in the area
US bombers strike at Falluja
He said: "I've no objection to British troops serving under American command but it needs to be extremely clearly worked out.
"The rules of engagement must be very clear because they may well be different to those which the regiment would have used in Basra."
Mr Soames called on Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to "stir himself" and make a statement outlining the government's intentions for its troops "to stop the great anxiety" for the families of those involved.
BBC correspondent Claire Marshall said there was speculation the British troops could be deployed to the town of Iskandariya, 25 miles (40km) south of Baghdad, freeing up the 24th Marine Expeditionary Force to fight in Falluja.
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell said any question of putting British troops under US operational command "would be extremely controversial".
Christmas homecoming
BBC political correspondent Jonathan Beale said MPs "across the board are concerned for the welfare of troops".
He said the government would "almost definitely" make a statement to the Commons next week.
Discussions are continuing as these things are always discussed.
Ministry of Defence
One option being considered would involve Scottish troops from the Black Watch Regiment extending their tour of duty in southern Iraq by a short period.
If this option is pursued, the plan would be to have the regiment home in time for Christmas.
Troops are currently acting as the reserve force in the southern city of Basra, and their relatives say they were told they would not be returning home next month as planned.
A MoD spokesman said no decision had been taken to extend their current tour: "Discussions are continuing as these things are always discussed. But if these discussions lead to a decision it will be announced in the normal way."
|
