Iain Duncan Smith is to visit the Gulf as British troops begin to arrive ahead of the looming war against Saddam Hussein.

The Tory leader wrote to Tony Blair on Monday asking for the government to make the "necessary arrangements" for his trip.

Duncan Smith plans to visit the thousands of British troops now massing in the Gulf.

He said his visit would underline the cross-party backing for British involvement in any assault against Iraq.

"Given that the orders have now been given and that there soon will be substantial numbers of troops in the Gulf to impose the UN resolution, it is important at such a time for our forces to understand that their endeavours are supported by politicians including the leader of the opposition," Duncan Smith said.

"I am hence writing to suggest that I visit the troops in the Gulf at some point after their arrival. I would be grateful if your office could get in touch with mine to make the necessary arrangements."

An officer in the Scots Guards, Duncan Smith himself saw active service in Northern Ireland and Rhodesia as well as serving in Canada and Germany.