Shadow Defence Secretary Nicholas Soames has today accused Tony Blair of playing "fast and loose" with British troops – claiming that the decision to send fresh deployments to Iraq is being delayed until after the June 10 elections.

Although a 370-strong contingent was ordered to Iraq at the end of May, senior ministers have postponed the announcement of a major deployment, the Conservative frontbencher said.

The Tories have claimed that the government has fudged the decision despite "clear signs" that army commanders have pressed the case for reinforcements with their political masters.

Mr Soames has sent Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon a letter today expressing his "disgust" at the government's position.

In his letter, Mr Soames wrote: "I am writing to you to complain most strongly at the way that the Government is playing fast and loose, and in particular the Prime Minister, with the future deployments to come in Iraq. It is absolutely clear beyond any doubt that this announcement is being delayed pending the European and Local elections and I write to express my disgust at this behaviour by the Government and the inevitable impact that this will have on the morale of the soldiers warned-off as well as their families."

Calling on the Defence Secretary to state whether the government intends to make a substantial further deployment Mr Soames added: "I put you on notice that I intend to raise this matter on the floor of the House of Commons immediately on our return from recess, and I would therefore be very grateful for a reply before then."

(gmcg)