 |
Iraq report exposes army overstretch and need for new strategy - Rennie
August 15, 2006 5:35 PM
Local MP, Willie Rennie, this week criticised the Government over its strategy in Iraq. The Dunfermline and West Fife MP is a Member of the Defence Select Committee, which this week said that British troops in Iraq were overstretched.
Willie Rennie, a member of the Liberal Democrat Defence team, said:
"At a time when the outgoing UK ambassador to Iraq warns of impending civil war, our report underlines the urgent need for a new strategy on Iraq. A UN-led peace process to secure international and regional engagement is essential.
"Our report raises concerns of escalating sectarian violence, faltering reconstruction and widespread corruption, particularly in the Iraqi police, all of which jeopardise the planned transition of security to Iraqi forces.
"In these conditions, equipment and capability shortages can prove fatal and must be urgently addressed. Increasing overstretch is threatening to undermine morale and operational capability.
"With major operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, a reassessment of whether our capabilities are sufficient to meet our commitments is long-overdue."
ENDS
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats