Iraq backs British troop deal

A row over Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, sparked by a debate over the Iraq journalist who threw his shoes at President George Bush, was eating into parliamentary time needed to pass laws allowing the troops to remain until they are brought home next summer.

But Mr al-Mashhadani tendered his resignation and it was accepted by a majority of the deputies attending a closed-door emergency session after days of bickering and negotiations.

The new laws are needed to legalise British forces being in the country because a UN mandate authorising their presence expires on December 31.

Meanwhile, Gordon Brown has delivered a Christmas message to British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan - insisting their "sacrifices" were making the UK a safer place.

The Prime Minister praised the "dedication, courage and resolve" of military personnel, and pledged to give more support for their "demanding" operations.

In a missive broadcast on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show, Mr Brown said the "tragic" losses suffered by the forces were felt more acutely at this time of year.

"The pace of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq remains demanding but it's clear to me that your efforts are making a real difference," he insisted.

Mr Brown said it was essential to ensure that Afghanistan did not "again become a base for international terrorism".

In Iraq, he highlighted the recently-announced timetable for withdrawal by the summer, saying the job of training up the country's own troops "will soon be done".