Ministers attacked over Iraq

British troops were sent into Iraq before proper plans were made to tackle the expected uprising, MPs say today.

A series of 'mistakes and misjudgments' meant the allies seriously underestimated opposition to the invasion, the influential Commons Defence Committee report adds.

Borders were left open, allowing thousands of foreign fighters to flood into the country. It was hoped that successful elections would deal a major blow to the insurgents, but deadly attacks have continued.

Reforms to Iraq's security forces should have been given greater priority before and immediately after the invasion, the report adds. As a result, the 8,000 British soldiers will not be able to pull out of the country before next year.

Iraq's security forces will not be able to take over until 2006 at the earliest and British troop levels can not be reduced until then, the report continues.

MPs also say valuable time was lost in establishing the Iraqi army. They criticise the coalition for failing to secure small arms depots which have become a key source for insurgents seeking explosive materials and heavy weapons.

But they go on to praise the professionalism of British troops. Committee chairman Bruce George said: 'The significant progress that has been made in Iraq, especially in the British sector in the south, has come about largely through the professionalism, flexibility and pragmatism of the British Armed Forces.'

Shadow Defence Secretary Nicholas Soames attacked the failures. 'This has clearly set the reconstruction of Iraq back by at least a year,' he added.

Downing Street welcomed the report. A spokesman said: 'We are always looking at troop levels, but the aim is to withdraw when it is felt that Iraqi forces are ready to deal with the situation.'