Britain to cut troops in Iraq by 10%

BRITAIN is to cut by 10% the number of troops in Iraq. Defence Secretary John Reid announced yesterday the 800 soldiers could be withdrawn in May because Iraqi forces were now capable of taking over many tactical responsibilities.

"Our commitment to the coalition remains certain," Mr Reid told the House of Commons. Mr Reid insisted it was not the start of the handover of security responsibility to Iraq and he was adamant the withdrawal had not been prompted by spiralling violence.

The move means one in ten British troops will be withdrawn. It marks a reduction from the high point of 10,000 British troops in Iraq in October 2003 to just over 7,000 now.