No troop movement without Commons vote, say Lib Dems
October 21, 2004 12:00 AM
UK Soldiers are being moved to more Northerly positions in Iraq to support USA forces
The Liberal Democrats are pressing hard for a vote in the House of Commons before British troops are deployed outside the British sector in Iraq.
Bristol West's Labour MP has been challenged by her main opponent at the next election, the Lib Dems' Stephen Williams, to support his colleagues request in Parliament. Mr Williams has written to Valerie Davey urging her to do something to hold her government to account.
Stephen Williams commented, "The Liberal Democrats believe that further deployment should only come at the request of British commanders on the ground, and only for the purposes of fulfilling more effectively the role that they are already undertaking in Iraq. We do not believe that this role includes our troops taking on chunks of the American sector of Iraq."
The full text of Stephen Williams' letter is reproduced below:
Dear Valerie
Urgent - BRITISH TROOPS IN IRAQ
I am writing an open letter to you with regard to the American request for an additional deployment of British troops to the American controlled sector of Iraq.
You will be aware that Charles Kennedy has demanded a House of Commons vote on this matter before the Prime Minister responds to the American request. I understand that it is the intention of the government to refuse such a vote.
Later today there will be a debate in the House entitled "Defence in the world." The most important military matter of concern to Bristol West residents at this time will be the situation in Iraq. To many of them it will be incomprehensible for the government to debate British defence policy in the round but refuse a vote on the most pressing issue of the day. Such a stance will further undermine public confidence in the ability of the present House of Commons to hold an over mighty government to account. Frankly, it will expose the Labour party to ridicule.
My Liberal Democrat colleagues will continue to press throughout the debate for a vote on whether to redeploy British forces in Iraq. As one of the Labour MPs who failed to vote against the government's motion authorising the war I hope you will now take this opportunity to join the Liberal Democrats in the lobby against your government this evening. You have claimed to be dismayed by the war, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your disquiet.
I am proud of the stance that my party has taken on the war in Iraq. I wonder if you could claim the same?
Yours sincerely
Stephen Williams
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