The motion also called for an accurate audit of the number of civilians killed since the invasion.

UNISON deputy general secretary Keith Sonnet spoke of the horror he felt each day when watching the carnage in Iraq.

"But we know who is to blame for the chaos," he told applauding delegates. "We know there will never be peace in Iraq until the occupying British and American forces in Iraq leave. We demand our government takes immediate steps to end its occupation and to return Iraq to its people.

"The war was illegal, based upon lies and deceit and it spawned continual human rights abuses."

Congress also committed itself to supporting the Iraqi trade union movement. The TUC will give, "practical support, including the provision of IT and other office equipment".


TUC:
 http://tuc.org.uk

UNISON:
 http://www.unison.org.uk

Stop The War Coalition:
 http://www.stopwar.org.uk