Britain may send more troops to Iraq, says Hoon

Britain may send extra troops to Iraq to boost security during elections scheduled for January, British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said today.

“If it is necessary to put a few extra troops in to provide appropriate security for the elections we will do that,” he said on the sidelines of a EU defence ministers meeting in the Netherlands

“We’ve always made it clear that we will adjust the number and nature of our troops in Iraq in the light of military advice according to the security situation on the ground,” he said.

Mr Hoon stressed the importance of sticking to the election timetable, despite fears that the violence around the country could make it impossible to hold a vote.

“We are still absolutely determined that elections should take place,” Mr Hoon said in Noordwijk. “I recognise that there may be some extra tasks as we get close to election date, and we will respond accordingly.”

Britain currently has 9,000 troops serving with the coalition in Iraq, and that number is due to drop to 8,500 for the next rotation scheduled for November.

After the United States, Britain is the next-largest contributor to the multinational force.