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£5bn wasted in Iraq black hole - Cable

10.48.46pm GMT Wed 31st Jan 2007

The Liberal Democrats have released research, based on Parliamentary Answers, showing the true cost to the Ministry of Defence of the Iraq occupation.

The figures show that the amount - excluding the costs of reconstruction - is estimated to hit almost £5bn by the end of the current financial year.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable MP said:

Vincent Cable MP for Twickenham (photography: Liberal Democrats)

"Quite apart from the human cost, the continuing and open-ended occupation of Iraq is contributing to a large black hole in the Ministry of Defence's budget.

"Many British troops are currently struggling without proper equipment because of the pressure on resources.

"This money could be used to better equip British troops serving elsewhere, particularly in Afghanistan."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.

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