Britain moved to a war footing on Wednesday, dismissing Iraq's weapons dossier as full of holes and preparing the military for a possible conflict next year. Shipping sources told Reuters the British military, America's top ally in the standoff with Iraq, had chartered a large vessel to carry heavy armour to the Gulf in the New Year. One source said the MoD had chartered a large merchant ship for a 90-day period from January 15 to carry heavy armour and military supplies to the possible battle zone. Britain also stepped into the London ship broking market to request two more vessels for a military deployment. The orders follow similar moves by the United States, and come as Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon confirmed troops were also gearing up. "What we are doing is preparing in the event of military action being necessary," said Hoon. "We would not necessarily want to signal the timing or the date of any such military action in advance," he said. "It would depend on how events over the next weeks and months unfold." Hoon also said Britain would consider deploying extra naval resources to the Gulf region in the New Year if needed. He told parliament that in addition to a long-planned naval deployment in the area next year, five navy ships will be deployed to the region ahead of time to undertake exercises. To ensure forces are equipped and ready to act, procurement orders of specialised desert equipment are being accelerated and some troop units are being put on shorter notice to move. Reservists have not been called up but the government is contacting them and their employers for advance planning.
End of Jan, first of Feb. |