British chancellor Gordon Brown has said today it is time for a "new front" in British policy on Iraq and claimed he would learn from mistakes made there.
Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah following the launch of his Labour Party leadership campaign in London today. Image: Andrew Parsons/PA Wire.
Unveiling his bid for leadership of the Labour party today, Mr Brown said greater emphasis should be placed on political reconciliation and economic development so Iraqis felt they had more of a stake in their future.
Prime Minister Tony Blair ended months of speculation yesterday by saying he would step down on June 27th after 10 years in power, triggering a party leadership contest that Mr Brown looks certain to win.
British media has been rife with speculation that Mr Brown might speed up the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq.
His attitude towards Britain's close relationship with Washington is also expected to be closely watched.
British Labour leader hopeful Gordon Brown
"I do think that over the next few months the emphasis will shift. We've got to concentrate more on political reconciliation in Iraq, we've got to concentrate more on economic development," Mr Brown told a news conference.
"I accept that mistakes have been made. . . . I'll be listening to what the government of Iraq say and what people on the ground say over the next few weeks."
Mr Brown said he planned to visit the Middle East and British forces in the region in coming weeks.
The chancellor said Britain would keep its obligations to the Iraqi people but added he would look at new parliamentary procedures for dealing with peace and war.
The new policy would mean "everybody can be clear that there is full and open debate and proper accountability of government in all these major decisions," he said.