Troops home from Iraq by October - Campbell

3.53.57pm GMT Wed 24th Jan 2007

Liberal Democrats at the London rally against war in Iraq

Today leading the debate on Iraq in the House of Commons Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell has outlined his party's strategy to bring troops home from Iraq by October. Earlier in the day Sir Menzies raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions, after Blair replied Sir Menzies in his second question asked "If he feels so strongly, he should come to debate these issues. What could possibly be more important than that the Prime Minister should be here to debate the issue of Iraq at a time when British forces are at risk every day in respect of their lives? Isn't that the kind of leadership we are entitled to?"

Menzies Campbell said "The Prime Minister should have been here to speak for himself and his government on a substantive motion. With chilling regularity, almost every Wednesday we acknowledge British fatalities. I don't know how the other Party leaders feel but for me it's bleakest moment of the week. Today the British public deserve to hear all of the party leaders."

Outlining the Liberal Democrat strategy for Iraq Menzies Campbell said "Given the lack of UK influence over coalition strategy, the deepening sectarian conflict, and the increasing antipathy of the Iraqi people to the coalition forces, the time has come for a controlled exit. We have done all we can and our presence is exacerbating the situation. The process of withdrawal should begin on in May and end in October. It is time to go."