IRAQ REPORT EXPOSES ARMY OVERSTRETCH AND NEED FOR NEW STRATEGY - HARVEY
August 10, 2006 5:17 PM
Following the publication of the Defence Select Committee report on UK operations in Iraq, which questions the capabilities and readiness of our Armed Forces, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary Nick Harvey MP, said:
"At a time when the outgoing UK ambassador to Iraq warns of impending civil war, this report underlines the urgent need for a new strategy on Iraq. A UN-led peace process to secure international and regional engagement is essential.
"The report raises concerns of escalating sectarian violence, faltering reconstruction and widespread corruption, particularly in the Iraqi police, all of which jeopardise the planned transition of security to Iraqi forces.
"In these conditions, equipment and capability shortages can prove fatal and must be urgently addressed.
"The Government's reckless decision to cut the size of the army is having obvious consequences. Increasing overstretch is threatening to undermine morale and operational capability.
"With major operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, a reassessment of whether our capabilities are sufficient to meet our commitments is long-overdue."
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