Iraq 'ready for UK pull-out soon'

The parade was the first in central London for troops returning from Iraq

Iraq will soon be in position for the total pull-out of British troops, a senior Army commander has predicted.

Brig Julian Free's comments came as his 4th Mechanised Brigade took part in a homecoming parade in Westminster.

He said: "Security there [Iraq] has taken a massive turn for the better. The Iraq army have helped us along."

More than 120 members of the brigade marched through central London from Wellington Barracks for a reception with MPs at the Houses of Parliament.

Brig Free said of the pull-out of troops from Iraq: "It will be a smooth and steady programme.

"The Iraqis are keen to do more for themselves and I think they will soon be in a position when they can take over."

'Incredible opportunity'

He added: "Things have improved massively. They are in a position now where they can maintain security almost without our help."

On a surprise visit to Iraq at the weekend, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said there would be no "artificial timetable" for withdrawing British troops from Iraq.

The Ministry of Defence said the parade was the first time troops returning from Iraq had marched to Parliament.

They were welcomed to the reception by MP James Gray, chairman of the all-party Parliamentary group for the Army.

Brig Free said: "To be asked to come down here and do this was an incredible opportunity."