Coalition troops in Iraq

As Black Watch troops began their move to central Iraq, Tony Blair renewed his pledge that the soldiers will be home by Christmas.

Around 850 British troops started moving out of their Basra base on Wednesday morning, heading north to assist their US counterparts nearer Baghdad.

The redeployment has proved highly controversial, with an ICM poll for the Guardian reporting that 61 per cent were against the decision, compared to just 30 per cent in favour.

But speaking in the Commons, the prime minister defended the decision and committed himself to ensuring the Black Watch soldiers are home by the end of the year.

He came under pressure from Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy to confirm that Britain would take on no further military role outside south east Iraq.

"The Black Watch will come back by Christmas," confirmed Blair. "As to what then happens, we can't be sure at the moment.

"We don't believe there will be a further requirement for other troops but I can't commit myself, I can't guarantee that, because I obviously don't know what may then arise."

Responding, Kennedy questioned whether any assurances had been sought from the US administration on whether the Black Watch's position "will be filled in by American troops rather than British troops".

The prime minister said he had not sought or been given such an assurance.

"We are engaged in a joint operation in Iraq with this purpose in mind: to make sure that elections in Iraq can take place in January," he added.

Blair said elections would support "freedom and stability and prosperity" in the country.

"I don't think we should go into this in an attitude of mind that is continually trying to pick holes in this strategy in a way that I don't think helps the overall joint effort in Iraq which I passionately believe is in the interests of the security of this country."

Troop cuts row

In earlier exchanges, the prime minister had clashed with Michael Howard over claims that Labour had no plans to reduce the overall size of the armed forces.

The Conservative leader said that in a "dangerous world" the UK need a strong military defence and a leader who gave "straight answers" to parliament.

While he conceded that the number of battalions would be reduced, Blair insisted: "Overall, the numbers of people in our
armed forces is not going to be reduced".

But Howard counterattacked: "I have here a statement from the chief of the general staff. In it he says that army numbers are falling from more than 108,000 to 102,000."

"Is he [Blair] saying that the chief of the general staff doesn't know what he is talking about?"

Dismissing the Tory assault, Blair said that "the numbers of people employed in the armed forces overall is not going to fall".

Howard, however, had tough words for the Labour leader.

"In a dangerous world we need stronger forces and a prime minister that gives straight answers. Isn't it clear that under this government, we have neither," he said.