Although Gordon Brown has diminished both himself and his administration in the past couple of weeks, and proved those Blairites right who desired another candidate, it is not unsurprising to see that Menzies Campbell can sink even lower in his alleged area of expertise.

Menzies Campbell: Is it not time to acknowledge that the presence of British troops in Iraq no longer serves any realistic military or political purpose. Is it not time, too, to acknowledge that, after four and a half years, Britain has more than fulfilled any moral obligation to the people of Iraq and that our obligation now is to our young men and women in our armed forces? Is it not time to acknowledge that the deployment in Iraq, where little more can be done, is prejudicial to our efforts in Afghanistan, where success is still possible? Is it not time now to set a framework and a programme for the complete withdrawal of all our forces from Iraq?

Gordon Brown: I agree with the right hon. and learned Gentleman about our obligations to our armed forces—I am pleased that he said that both at the beginning and the end of his remarks—but we also have obligations to the international community, and I would have thought that the Liberal party, with its Gladstonian inheritance, would recognise the obligations that we have internationally, particularly in relation to UN resolutions that have been passed, calling on us to support the democracy of the Iraqi people.

When the final day for the UK withdrawal from Iraq arrives, one can imagine Menzies Campbell arguing for withdrawal at 3.00 pm, rather than 3.30 pm.

For balance, I feel it is only fair to link to this.