Britain is to send more troops to Iraq, bringing the number of UK personnel stationed there to 300.

The Defence secretary Michael Fallon has offered to send 30 more troops to help train the Iraqi armed forces as it prepares for a new offensive against Islamic State.

They will provide training in logistics and bridge-building, and will include some specialist medical staff.The additional troops are expected to be deployed to training camps at Besmayah and Taji.

The defence secretary added the boost in numbers comes against the background of “solid progress” against Islamic State in recent months.