This Sounds Quite Different Than How the Media is Portraying It

While the media portrays it as such:

"...Word of the deployment comes one day after Prime Minister Tony Blair said British troop numbers in Iraq will be cut by 1,600 in coming months. The tabloid newspaper, the Sun, opined — 1,600 out ... One in.

Britain will hand over much of its security responsibilities to Iraqi forces, concentrating its troops at Basra Palace and Basra Air Base in southern Iraq.

We find this Ministerial Statement on the Ministry of Defence web site:

IRAQ – FORCE LEVELS MAY 2007 ROULEMENT
On 21 February the Prime Minister set out our strategy and plans in Iraq, in particular, changes to the UK force levels and posture in Multi-national Division – South East (MND-SE).

These plans will see greater emphasis on the training of the Iraqi Security Forces and, in the view of progress they continue to make, the phased closure of a number of bases in MND-SE. This process will permit a reduction in UK force levels from its present level of 7100 to approximately 5500 by the completion of the next roulement of UK forces in June 2007.

June 2007? I thought it was supposed to be happening, right now! At least that's the impression that the media is giving with its claims that the announcement couldn't come "at a time when Bush could hardly be hit even harder."

Infact the MoD is even sending in newer units to replace many of those coming home. Those heading to Iraq include:
1 Mechanised Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (215 Signal Squadron Royal Signals)
2 Squadrons from the Household Cavalry Regiment (Including HRH Prince Harry)
The Kings Royal Hussars
2 Squadrons from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2RTR)
1st Battalion Irish Guards
1 Company from the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh
2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh
4th Battalion The Rifles
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
22 Engineer Regiment
1 Squadron from 23 Pioneer Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
3 Logistic Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
1 Company from 6 Battalion Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
Bravo (16) Close Medical Support Squadron,3 Close Support Medical Regiment, Royal Army Medical Corps
158 Provost Company3rd Regiment Royal Military Police
22 Battery, 32 Regiment Royal Artillery and
34 Field Hospital Royal Army Medical Corps

I'm sure glad the media is on our side, otherwise they could really be hurting the moral and dedication of the country while we fight this war.