Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Confused Prime Minister contradicts Iraq statement

October 10, 2007 3:06 PM

Clearly weary and reeling from his general election u-turn, Gordon Brown contradicted himself when answering a question from Liberal Democrat MP for Dunfermline and West Fife Willie Rennie following the PM's statement on Iraq today. Having already been attacked by fellow Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell for the 'catastrophic' Iraq mission, the Prime Minister claimed that the situation in Basra was calm before the troops pulled out, having previously claimed that the situation was only calm after the troops pulled out.

Having assumed office pledging to be 'Not Flash, Just Gordon', this would appear to be evidence of the old Blair-era style 'spin' returning.

Mr Rennie said:

"The contradictory statements from the Prime Minister today are extremely worrying. To claim that the situation was calm before the pullout, only to then claim the situation was calmer after the pullout muddies the waters on what is an extremely important issue.

"I have been to Iraq recently with the Defence Select Committee and have seen first-hand the situation on the ground. I want to see the Prime Minister stop playing politics with our troops and announce a complete withdrawal within six months."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    dunfermlinelibdems.org.uk/en/article/2007/097826/confused-prime-minister-contradicts-iraq-statement
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    dunfermlinelibdems.org.uk/a64cM

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image