Britain and America have put forward the draft of a new UN resolution outlining plans for the handover of power on June 30.

Under the plans, a transitional Iraqi government would set a "strategic framework" within which the multi-national force would operate.

British and American troops would be led by their own commanders, but would operate "on the basis of consensus" in partnership with the new Iraqi forces and the government.

The move comes as a poll in today's Guardian suggests that the British public is overwhelmingly opposed to the government sending up to 3,000 extra troops to Iraq.

The ICM survey shows that 66 per cent oppose the idea, including 60 per cent of Labour voters.

In the first of a series of speeches on Iraq, President Bush said that America's task in the country was the creation of a "free, representative government".

"The sooner this goal is achieved, the sooner our job will be done," he said.

"We will persevere, and defeat this enemy, and hold this hard-won ground for the realm of liberty."

Meanwhile, defence secretary Geoff Hoon will today honour the top US military commander in the invasion of Iraq.

General Tommy Franks is to receive the honorary KBE - Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.