Geoff Hoon has announced that about 400 extra British troops are being sent to Iraq to strengthen security ahead of the elections at the end of this month.

Troops from the 1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers will be sent to Iraq for a "limited period for election security", on the recommendation of the commanding officer in Iraq, the defence secretary told MPs.

The troops will be deployed in the region of south-eastern Iraq controlled by British forces.

Opposition parties accused Hoon of an "outrageous" failure to make a full statement on the proposal.