More troops to Iraq, says Straw

Last updated at 11:34 22 April 2004


British forces in Iraq could be reinforced to improve security in the country, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw indicated today.

Mr Straw acknowledged that British forces are likely to be in Iraq for "at least for a couple of years", adding "it could be longer".

And Mr Straw told the BBC: "In terms of the troop numbers, the troop numbers are kept under review, the Prime Minister made this clear yesterday in the House of Commons.

"And if there is a need for more troops to be sent, then I'm quite sure that my colleague Geoff Hoon (Defence Secretary) will arrange for that to happen.

"I don't think there are political objections to sending more troops if that is what is needed on the ground."

His comments come after Basra's bloodiest day since the war over a year ago.

A series of four car bomb blasts ripped through the city, killing up to 68 people and injuring another 238. Three police stations and a police academy in Al Zubayr were targeted in the rush hour attacks.

Two school minibuses were caught up in one of the explosions, killing at least 17 children on their way to a nursery and primary school.

Five British soldiers were also injured, two seriously, in the atrocities.

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