31-1-06
Barrett responds to 100th British casualty in Iraq

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called on the Government to set a firm timetable on the removal of British troops from Iraq following the death of the 100th British soldier in Iraq.

The soldier, from the 7th Armoured Brigade, was killed in Umm Qasr earlier this morning. Mr Barrett will this evening attend a vigil in parliament square held in memory of the 100 British soldiers who have died in action in Iraq. Tomorrow there will be 100 similar vigils in 100 towns across the country.

Responding to the news Mr Barrett said:

“My thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of all of the service personnel who have lost their lives in the conflict. Today’s news marks a tragic milestone which highlights the ongoing dangers of our presence in Iraq.

“It is important at this time that we remember the soldiers we have lost and those Iraqi civilians who have been killed in the ongoing fighting.

“In the broader political context, today’s tragic events further underline the need for a coherent exit strategy, including a phased withdrawal of coalition troops.”