Manchester Welcomes Lib Dem Leader's Troops Home Pledge

6.14.40pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Feb 2007

Manchester Liberal Democrats Protest Against Labour's Illegal War in Iraq

Leading the debate on Iraq in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell has outlined his party's strategy to bring troops home from Iraq by October. But Prime Minister Tony Blair didn't bother to turn up for the important debate.

In Parliament, Menzies Campbell MP said:

"The Prime Minister should have been here to speak for himself and his government on a substantive motion."

"With chilling regularity, almost every Wednesday we acknowledge British fatalities. I don't know how the other Party leaders feel but for me it's bleakest moment of the week."

"Today the British public deserve to hear all of the party leaders."

Outlining the Liberal Democrat strategy for Iraq, Sir Menzies said:

"Given the lack of UK influence over coalition strategy, the deepening sectarian conflict, and the increasing antipathy of the Iraqi people to the coalition forces, the time has come for a controlled exit."

"We have done all we can and our presence is exacerbating the situation."

"The process of withdrawal should begin on in May and end in October. It is time to go."

Manchester Liberal Democrats have welcomed the announcement. Deputy Leader Councillor Paul Shannon, a member of Greater Manchester "Stop the War" Coalition Steering Group, said:

"Manchester Lib Dems have opposed Labour's illegal war in Iraq from the outset. Most recently, we marched in protest during Labour's party conference last September here in Manchester. The time has come for British troops to leave Iraq. We hope Labour's warmongers take heed."

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