The element of surprise is gained by lying

It's worth noting that Brown has gained the element of surprise with his Iraq withdrawal announcement not only by making it in Iraq in advance of a statement to Parliament but by misleading the press about when that statement would be made.

Journalists who were briefed on the withdrawal last week reported:

The Prime Minister is expected to announce the pullout that, in effect, ends the UK's engagement in one of the most controversial wars in recent times, in the Commons next January.