Brown, launching bid to become PM, vows to learn from mistakes on Iraq

LONDON, Saturday (AP) - Gordon Brown promised a shift in policy in Iraq and a new vision for Britain as he launched his campaign to become the country's next prime minister. Brown stood before a standing ovation of hand-picked supporters on Friday, only hours after Prime Minister Tony Blair formally endorsed his candidacy. Brown, who has waited more than a decade for his chance to lead the country, strode to the podium and confidently laid out a platform that promised to be both compassionate and tough.

''I will listen, and I will learn. I will strive to meet people's aspirations,'' Brown said pledging to win back disenchanted voters. ''I want to lead a government humble enough to know its place.'' Brown signaled that as prime minister, he would abandon Blair's presidential style of leadership by restoring Parliament's authority in decisions such as when to go to war. Government must be accountable, he said.
''I accept that mistakes have been made,'' Brown said, without offering specifics.

''We will keep our obligations to the Iraqi people. These are obligations that are part of a U.N. resolution, they are in support of a democracy. I do think that over the next few months, the emphasis will shift.'' The question is how much Brown will shift Britain's role in the Iraq war, which has divided the country. He indicated he wants to devote more time and resources toward the creation of jobs and basic services for the Iraqi people.

''There are too many people in Iraq who don't have a stake in the economic future of the country, too many people unemployed, too many people who are not seeing services developed ... and therefore too many people who don't feel loyalty to the regime,'' he said.
Brown did not outline specifics on his Iraq policy. He said he will make his first trip to Iraq in the coming weeks to inspect the situation firsthand.

Blair had announced in February that his government -- the top U.S. ally in the Iraq war -- would reduce its troop levels by 1,600 to about 5,500 -- but would retain a presence in southern Iraq until at least 2008. A total of 148 British soldiers have died since the 2003 invasion.

Brown also promised to be strong on defence and security. ''And obviously, we've got to do more to win the battle of hearts and minds against al-Qaida terrorism.'' Brown's speech at a converted Edwardian-era school in central London was the first act in his campaign to become Labour party chief -- and as a result, British leader. It also marked Brown's first effort to emerge from the shadow of the telegenic Blair -- a challenge for the wonkish Brown, who must show he can connect with voters.