UK task force to head for Iraq in four weeks
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.A massive British task force will be heading for Iraq within four weeks even if there is no proof that Saddam Hussein's government is in material breach of the UN resolution on weapons of mass destruction.
More than 40,000 Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel, as well as about 100 tanks, will contribute to a US-led coalition army of more than 250,000, which could go into action as early as the end of next month.
Senior defence officials disclosed yesterday that the deployment was unlikely to wait for evidence that the Iraqis were trying to use subterfuge in their weapons programmes.
A large force parked on Iraq's borders would have a "coercive and persuasive" effect on Baghdad, officials said. And since Iraq had already made its "full declaration" to the UN, the troops were likely to be used for a military strike.
The Ministry of Defence said preparations for a conflict had reached their final stages and contracts for charter ships to carry troops and equipment had already been awarded.
Military units in Britain and overseas have been issued with orders bringing forward their "notice to move" into action and reservists have been told that call-up papers will be issued soon. The Army's main tanks, Challenger IIs, were being refitted for use in the desert and would be ready for the hostilities, a senior Army source said. Specialist equipment, including for chemical and biological warfare, is being gathered and checked. The aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal will be in the Gulf next month for exercises, supported by a destroyer, a frigate and two T-class submarines.
Washington will have its full response to the Iraqi weapons dossier by the end of the week, a senior White House official said. Colin Powell, the Secretary of State, said: "We said at the very beginning that we approached it with scepticism, and the information I've received so far is that scepticism is well-founded." Downing Street said Britain was unlikely to give its response to the report until after Christmas.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments