Ahead of an imminent conflict in Iraq, one in 10 British soldiers is medically unfit for overseas deployment, according to official figures.

With the army already 7419 below strength, 10,366 servicemen have been classed as unfit for combat duty.

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman, Paul Keetch, warns that MoD medical policies are failing and contributing to overstretch of UK forces.

"The British Army is not big enough to have 10,000 soldiers out of action and not feel the effects. Our forces are under enough pressure as it is," he said.

"After a decade of cuts, the dedicated men and women of the Defence Medical Services can offer a shadow service only, relying on allies in the field and private healthcare at home."