27/05/2004

370 more UK troops bound for Iraq

The number of British troops in Iraq is to be increased by 370, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told MPs today.

The move will see forces "replaced or adjusted" to reflect the nature of the threat found in some areas in the south of the country.

The total of UK forces in Iraq will rise to around 8,900 as a result.

Mr Hoon said that the additional troops are "sensible adjustments".

"It remains the case that we, with our coalition partners, are considering the levels and dispositions of forces required in Iraq in he months ahead, to support the sovereign Interim Government of Iraq through the process leading to the election of a Transitional Assembly and Government early in 2005," he said.

"If we judge that further changes to the UK military contribution in Iraq would be appropriate to support this process, we will of course inform the house at the earliest opportunity."

(gmcg)

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