FORMER Defence Minister Doug Henderson yesterday called for a ceasefire and for all troops to be pulled out, fearing a Vietnam-style conflict.
The Newcastle North MP denied this would amount to a surrender and said that even if Saddam Hussein was deposed, the political and diplomatic damage caused by the military action would be greater than removing the Baghdad dictator.
Mr Henderson spoke out after Robin Cook, who quit the Cabinet because of the war, had to backtrack over an apparent call to withdraw coalition forces.
Mr Henderson said: "Our fear is that British and American troops could become bogged down for a long time.
"We were told this was going to be a short war of liberation and people would rise up to support us. That hasn't happened.
"If our troops get involved for years in occupation and urban warfare, then it will become like Vietnam.
"I think we should have an immediate ceasefire and then an orderly withdrawal of British and American troops. This should be done step by step to minimise the risk."
01/04/2003
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