It is generally better not to be mealy mouthed about important issues. We should not therefore disguise the fact that we are cutting and running from Iraq.

There is a sound argument that the least worst option is that both we and the United States should exit the scene. To the extent that we went in together it would have been more dignified and would have secured our important relationship with the United States if we had exited in tandem.

That we are both not on the same bicycle has more to do with Mr Blair's obsession with his legacy than the political and military requirements of the situation. The myth that we have built up the Iraqi capability and can now exit with honour should be identified and derided for the spin that it is.