British troops to be taken off 48-hour standby

British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is expected to announce this afternoon that 6,000 British troops have been taken off 48-hour standby to go to Afghanistan.

Downing Street would not confirm an announcement would definitely be made, but said if it was it would reflect the changing nature of the situation on the ground.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s official spokesman stressed there were still British troops in the region, which include Royal Marine Commandos, who stayed on after Exercise Swift Sword II in Oman.