Britain will postpone plans to pull up to 1,500 troops out of Iraq due to unrest in the southern city of Basra, Defence Secretary Des Browne said today.
"In the light of the last week's events . . . it is prudent that we pause any further reductions while the current situation is unfolding," Mr Browne told parliament.
"At this stage we intend to keep our forces at their current levels of around 4,000 as we work with our coalition partners and with the Iraqis to assess future requirements."
More to follow