British Prime Minister Tony Blair has proved all speculation over reduction of the British troops in Iraq as correct. Britain has finally decided to reduce its number of troops currently serving in Iraq from 7,100 to 5,500. Blair said that the reduction would be done in the coming months.
As it was widely expected after his long meeting with US President Bush, Prime Minister Blair took the step to reduce the presence of British Troops in Iraq.
He was scheduled to speak on this matter in the House of Commons today. He told to the MPs in the house that the UK military personnel would stay in the strife-torn country into 2008 but numbers would continue to reduce as progress was made in Iraq.
He said further;
The actual reduction in forces will be from the present 7,100, itself down from over 9,000 two years ago and 40,000 at the time of the conflict, to roughly 5,500.
The UK military presence will continue into 2008, for as long as we are wanted and have a job to do.
Later, there is a complete possibility to reduce the number below 5,000 also. He also said that troops serving outside Basra City would be stationed in a support role.
The step taken by Britain will have many diplomatic impact on the other countries those have sent their troops in Iraq. The ground realities are that Iraq is going through a civil war like situation.
US administration has decided to send more troops to Iraq and its main ally UK is reducing its troops.
According to the report, Blair had said to US President Bush that Defence Secretary Des Browne has confirmed that that Iraqi forces are now ready to take control of the country and it was time for UK troops to start pulling out.
Later, Bush said on this that Britain’s troop cutbacks were a sign of success in Iraq.
The Tory leader David Cameron said that the step of reducing the British Troops would be welcomed in this House especially to the families of those serving in Iraq.
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