UK begins calls up 1,000 reserves for Iraq within 10 days
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news report 
Monday October 21, 2002 16:16
by tony poodle
UK to begin call-up of 1,000 reserves for Iraq within 10 days
UK to begin call-up of 1,000 reserves
for Iraq within 10 days
By Francis Elliott, Deputy Political Editor
(Filed: 20/10/2002)
Britain will begin calling up reservists for military action against Iraq within the next 10 days.
About 1,000 reserve troops will receive their papers by the end of this month as the military build-up gathers pace.
The timetable has been imposed on ministers by the need to give the employers of reservists about two-months notice to arrange cover.
The timing of the call-up indicates that Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secretary, has promised America that Britain's contribution will be operational from the New Year.