MARCH 25: SWINDON MP Julia Drown has praised British troops in Iraq.

She said: "I am immensely proud of our troops. They are among the best in the world and doing an incredibly difficult job. But it is the right job, fighting for a better Iraq, safer Britain and safer world."

Ms Drown expressed her sadness at the deaths caused by the conflict. "Casualties are the grim reality of war and everyone, whether they are service people or Iraqi civilians, is a tragedy. But we must remember the hundreds of thousands who have died under the Iraqi regime and the daily killings that would continue if we did not take action," she added.

Speaking of fatalities caused by friendly fire, she said questions are always raised about how they could be avoided.

Ms Drown said: "Obviously we want to stop this happening. But split second decisions are made and sometimes cannot be avoided."

Hoping for a swift end to the war, she looks forward to British troops returning home as soon as possible.