Blair defends British soldiers' presence in Iraq

Prime Minister Tony Blair has insisted that there will be no withdrawal from Iraq until Iraqi forces are confident that they can handle security in the country, it has been reported.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons Mr Blair told MPs there would be 'no change in strategy' despite mounting calls for an early withdrawal and warned that leaving now would amount to 'a complete betrayal' of both Iraqis and UK forces.

Senior MPs from all parties have called for a full Commons debate on Iraq as conflict continues in the trouble spot.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, who wants a vote on whether troops should pull out - and shadow foreign secretary William Hague have also made high profile calls for the debate.

The Prime Minister told the Commons: "Let me make one thing absolutely clear and abundantly clear: there will be no change in the strategy of withdrawal from Iraq only happening when the Iraqi forces are confident that they can handle security.

"To do anything else would be a complete betrayal not just of the Iraqi people, but of all the sacrifices that have been made by our armed forces over the years."

News sources have also reported that US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is among members of the Bush administration who have been speaking out to try and convince voters that success can be achieved in Iraq.

A review of American options is being carried out by former US Secretary of State James Baker, to be published after the November 7 elections.

(DS)