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RENNIE CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT INQUIRY ON IRAQ
October 26, 2006 12:18 PM
The UK Government must set up an inquiry into our future strategy in Iraq. That was the call from Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesman Willie Rennie MP today, speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on British troop withdrawal from Iraq. Mr Rennie also called for Government to stop shilly shallying and have a major debate on subject in the House of Commons.
"It has been two and a half years since there was a Government debate on this issue in the House of Commons. During that time tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives in Iraq yet the Government still refuses to allow MPs to have their say in Parliament.
"A new strategy is now imperative. We must accept that the deterioration in conditions may not afford a further opportunity to introduce a new approach. The Baker inquiry in America is openly debating the need for a new strategy, and I think it is important that something similar happens here.
"The Liberal Democrat strategy would aim to address Iraqis' foremost concerns: personal safety, jobs, and access to essential services. It includes the need to engage with neighbouring countries to seek support in talking to insurgent groups, border controls and economic stability. We need to professionalise security forces and have a United Nations led disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme.
"There must also be an end to systematic indefinite detentions by the US and Iraq. The reconstruction must be legitimised and expedited with the UN in the lead. And finally there must be a phased transfer and withdrawal of troops.
"We need to take charge of our own policy in Iraq . We must seize the opportunity for change, for the benefit of our troops and for the benefit of Iraq."
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