Iraq costs a drain on vital Afghan mission
December 15, 2008 1:07 PM
Commenting on today's Defence Select Committee report, which finds that the forecast cost of military operations in Afghanistan has risen significantly, while the costs in Iraq are also expected to increase in several areas, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said: "Britain's continuing presence in Iraq is completely unsustainable and a drain on vital resources needed in Afghanistan.
"It is particularly alarming that the costs relating to military personnel and equipment support are expected to rise in Iraq next year, despite reports of a planned draw-down of forces.
"Gordon Brown must put a stop to the culture of nods and winks about withdrawal and make an open statement to the British public and our troops on when they can expect to come home.
"With troops apparently set to withdraw, Brown no longer has any excuse to delay holding a full public inquiry into the disaster that was Iraq."
ENDS
Donald Campbell
Press Officer - Scotland, Defence & International Affairs
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Press Office
020 7227 1399
07791 755 415
Out of hours: 020 7340 4949
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