MOD mulls thanksgiving service

The decision would be made 'by the military, for the military'

The Ministry of Defence is "actively considering" a service of thanksgiving to mark the end of the conflict in Iraq, the prime minister's spokesman has said.

Tony Blair believes the decision should be taken "by the military, for the military", the spokesman said on Friday.

The Ministry of Defence were consulting on what to do, but a service of thanksgiving could involve the government, Buckingham Palace, the armed services and the families of those who died.

"This is about honouring those who took part and those who fought and died. The tone of any event must be respectful and appropriate.

"Where we're at is actively considering a service of thanksgiving, that's where the centre of gravity lies."

Special honours list

He said there was unlikely to be a Falklands-style parade.

A special honours list for those who served in Iraq was also being considered.

There were no details on where the service might be held.

The conflict in Iraq has claimed the lives of 33 British soldiers, marines and pilots.

Thirty-two died in the region, another died of his injuries after being flown back to the UK.