Army plans 'largest operation for years'

A major army exercise is to move weapons, supplies and vehicles to the UK's main military port in Hampshire.

The BBC reported that defence sources described the transfer of equipment as an exercise. But they acknowledged that stockpiles, having been moved from bases around the country, would be in the right place for launching any operation against Iraq.

It is reported to be the largest military operation in the UK for years.

Meanwhile the Daily Telegraph reported that some British troops will be deployed to Kuwait within two weeks.

And the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, quelled rumours over his stance on Iraq - saying that the Government "must have the strength to take the right decisions".