Hoon moves to call up reservists for Iraq war
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Geoff Hoon, the Secretary of State for Defence, confirmed yesterday that reserve troops could be called up in preparation for a possible war on Iraq.
But he dismissed reports that a Queen's Order – the first for nearly 50 years – would be made this week to increase the numbers normally available for the armed forces.
Mr Hoon told MPs that no such order was being planned today. But he added: "Military action against Iraq is neither imminent or inevitable, and in those circumstances I can reassure you, if it is necessary to call out reserves this House will be the first to know."
He added: "Any substantial military operation nowadays would require support from reservists, and our planning processes take that into account.
The shadow defence secretary, Bernard Jenkin, accused the Ministry of Defence of being "unprepared for the unexpected" with reservists "spread across the world".
Harry Cohen, the Labour MP for Leyton, said a call-out order would "indicate to people that the Government is prepared to go on with a war against Iraq with little regard for international law or the UN process."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments