More UK troops to withdraw from Gulf

Mr Hoon had told troops they would be sent home soon

A further 3,500 British ground troops are being withdrawn from the Gulf, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced.

The UK began scaling down its presence in the region earlier this month, and a number of troops have already returned home.

"Decisive combat operations in Iraq are now complete, and coalition forces are increasingly focusing upon stabilisation tasks," Mr Hoon said in a written statement to the Commons on Wednesday.

"It will therefore be possible to make further force level adjustments over the coming weeks while continuing to meet our responsibilities to the Iraqi people."

Returning forces

2nd Royal Tank Regiment

1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment

Elements of 26 Regiment Royal Artillery, 38 Engineer Regiment and 1st Battalion Light Infantry

3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines

HMS Ocean

HMS Edinburgh

RFAs Fort Austin, Orangeleaf, Sir Bedivere and Sir Percivale

26 helicopters

As well as ground forces, a number of ships are to head back to the UK, including the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, and HMS Edinburgh.

Mr Hoon said returning troops would receive post-operational tour leave before undergoing training for further operations.

Some units would return to Iraq to take part in stabilisation tasks.

The UK sent more than 45,000 service personnel to the Gulf for the conflict.

Mr Hoon said it was envisaged that by mid-May, between 25,000 and 30,000 would remain deployed in the region "continuing to fulfil our responsibilities towards the Iraqi people".

"The planned replacement of forces is clear evidence of our commitment to them.

Already withdrawn

HMS Ark Royal

HMS York

RFA Fort Victoria

45 aircraft, including Tornado F3 and GR4, Harrier GR7, Nimrod MR2, VC10 planes, E3-D planes, Chinook and Sea King helicopters

"Our aim is to leave an Iraq that is confident, secure and fully integrated with the international community," he said.

"We will also need to take account of the contributions of coalition partners. We will continue to withdraw assets and personnel from the region where possible but we will maintain an appropriate military presence for as long as necessary."

While some military personnel were being withdrawn, calling out notices for 1,200 reservists were being issued for stabilisation duties, Mr Hoon said.

In July, 19 Mechanised Brigade is due to take over from forces previously involved in combat operations in Iraq, again for stabilisation duties.

RFA Sir Galahad, Sir Tristram and Bayleaf are undergoing maintenance in Singapore before returning to the Gulf to continue to support humanitarian efforts.

Further vessels will remain in the region for the near future to conduct mine clearance operations and force protection.