'We'll make own decisions on Iraq'

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US President George Bush had a "lengthy" video conference discussion on Monday after US Commander General David Petraeus told Congress he believed a drawdown of US troops could begin.

The talks were described as "very cordial and constructive".

Gen Petraeus told Congress on Monday that Iraqi security forces continued to "shoulder more of the load" and predicted the US will be able to reduce troop levels by around 30,000 to pre-surge numbers by next summer.

His upbeat report was discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday, after an assessment by Defence Secretary Des Browne, who had talks with his opposite number at the Pentagon on Monday.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "We are working very closely with the Americans. The Prime Minister had a lengthy discussion with President Bush yesterday in one of their regular video conferences.

"We will work very closely with them but our decision on troops in Basra will be based on an assessment on the ground and the readiness of the Iraqi security forces.

"The decision in relation to our troops in Basra will be based on an assessment by our military commanders of the situation on the ground."

The spokesman insisted: "The general approach being taken by the US and the UK is entirely consistent. Conditions in the south are different from those elsewhere."

Mr Brown is due to make a statement on Iraq to MPs soon after they return from their summer break on October 8.