The Defence Secretary has postponed plans to pull more British troops out of Iraq.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Des Browne said the proposed reduction of around 4,000 troops left in the country would be delayed after widespread violence.

British forces are currently concentrated at an airbase on the outskirts of the southern city Basra, where Shi'ite gunmen began a bloody insurrection in that spread across southern Iraq and as far as the capital Baghdad last week.

Mr Browne said UK troops are currently performing an "overwatch" role in Basra and are providing support to Iraqi government forces.

One British battlegroup used tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery to provide cover Iraqi units on the ground, he told MPs.

RAF jets also supplied air cover and helicopters supplied the Iraqi security forces with food, water and ammunition, he added.

Last October, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced plans to cut the British force to 2,500 from the spring of this year, with an indication that further cuts could follow.

But the recent unrest has left commanders feeling unable so far to meet the target, the Defence Secretary said.

Mr Browne said: "In the light of the last week's events, it is prudent that we pause any further reductions while the current situation is unfolding.

"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.

"It is absolutely right that military commanders review plans when conditions on the ground change.

"So 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.

"I would expect to be able to update the House on force levels later this month."

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