Fears over UK Iraq redeployment

[Henk Elegeert]

REPLY TO: D66 at nic.surfnet.nl

"
  Fears over UK Iraq redeployment
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 ]

....

[       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     ]

...

[       Discussions are continuing as these things are always
discussed.
Ministry of Defence     ]

...

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/3750348.stm

Published: 2004/10/17 03:11:40 GMT
"

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