The head of Britain's armed forces says British troops are ready to invade Iraq, if they are called on to do so. General Michael Jackson says war is not inevitable, but his soldiers are prepared to go now, if they are given the order.
General Jackson says that while an additional four or five days more of preparation would be ideal, the army is ready to go now.
General Jackson says his army would be fully operational within a week, following the arrival of several ships with non-essential supplies in Kuwait. His remarks were made to reporters in Kuwait.
General Jackson dismissed media reports suggesting British troops were poorly supplied, lacking vital equipment and suffering from low morale.
The general refused to answer questions on when an invasion might take place, saying that was a political decision.
