SENIOR military commanders and politicians yesterday greeted with relief the news that Iraq wants Britain's active involvement in Basra to end and the bulk of its 4100strong garrison to go home.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki said in an interview that UK combat forces were no longer needed to maintain security in southern Iraq, although a small contingent might remain to help with training naval forces .

Plans to cut the garrison to 2500 this year were shelved in April after Mehdi Army militiamen seized control of large parts of the city and triggered an all-out assault by Iraqi government forces, backed by US air strikes and artillery.

British generals are desperate to see a large cut in manpower and resources in Iraq Although Downing Street has ruled out more reinforcements for Afghanistan, withdrawing the equivalent of a brigade from Basra would create a reserve to enable longer recovery gaps for units between postings to Helmand.

Mr al Maliki said: "We thank them [the British] for the role they have played, but I think that their stay is not necessary for maintaining security and control.

"There might be a need for their experience in training and some technological issues, but as a fighting force, I don't think that is necessary."

A n agreement between Baghdad and London is needed to authorise the presence of any British forces in the country beyond December 31, when a UN Security Council mandate expires.

Britain wants a similar deal to that being hammered out between Baghdad and Washington, but has still to resolve issues such as legal immunity for troops from Iraqi prosecution.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

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