British Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced plans for the withdrawal of an initial 1,600 British troops from Iraq. We go to London to get reaction from distinguished British politician Tony Benn. [includes rush transcript]

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced plans for the partial withdrawal of UK troops from Iraq. Blair made the statement today to members of parliament in the House of Commons. Blair told MPs the more than 7,000 British troops serving in Iraq would be cut by 1,600 soon with hopes that another five hundred could leave by the end of summer.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Tony Benn is one of Britain’s most distinguished politicians and the longest serving MP in the history of the Labour party. He joins me on the line now from London.

• Tony Benn. Former British Labour minister.