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Gordon Brown signals British troops to leave Iraq next year

By Vincent Moss and Rupert Hamer, sundaymirror.co.uk 20/07/2008

Gordon Brown flew into Iraq yesterday and gave the clearest signal yet that British troops would be home next year.

Speaking in Basra, the PM refused to map out an "artificial timetable" for the pullout. But he insisted "enormous progress" had been made and said he planned to cut the British force of 4,000 soldiers.

The trip came as the Government prepares to "refocus" efforts away from Iraq to shore up its operations in Afghanistan.

The PM has set up a high-powered new group to find new ways to win the "hearts and minds" of the Afghan people.

The new Cabinet Office committee of top officials from the Foreign Office, MoD and International Development Department has been told to urgently report on how to boost reconstruction efforts in the murderous Helmand province.

The PM is determined to speed up building schools, mosques and hospitals as part of a drive to win over the local population from Taliban warlords.

Britain has 8,000 troops in southern Afghanistan - mainly Helmand - engaged in a bloody battle with insurgents. But they could be relieved in coming months as Britain withdraws from Iraq - five and a half years after the invasion.

The PM said violent incidents in Basra had dropped from six a day to just one every six days.

Mr Brown said: "It is our intention that we reduce troop numbers," but that it was essential British troops finished training the local army and police.

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