British troops ready for ground role - Hoon

British Defence Secretary Mr Geoff Hoon said today British ground troops are ready to be deployed in Afghanistan at "very short…

British Defence Secretary Mr Geoff Hoon said today British ground troops are ready to be deployed in Afghanistan at "very short notice".

"No decision has yet been taken, but clearly we are exploring all the options," he said.

Mr Hoons comments came as British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair's war cabinet met.

According to media reports, Mr Blair is set to announce the deployment of British ground troops in Afghanistan before the onset of winter.

AFP

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