By Richard Westcott BBC reporter in Kuwait

British troops are aware of public opposition

Many now have access to television and radio news and the papers are getting through.

The 7th Armoured Brigade are currently practising their skills in an increasingly hostile desert.

When the wind picks up here there is no hiding place. The sand clouds become so thick it is like walking through fog.

At times you can barely see 50ft in front of you, the grit gets in your mouth, your eyes and anything else left exposed.

It is not that hot yet, only about 25C, but that can virtually double in the summer.

The only protection for the servicemen of 7th Armoured Brigade is their camouflage tents.

There's certainly some worry amongst the troops that the people back home aren't supporting us Lieutenant Chris Head

Lieutenant Chris Head from London is training in the back of his Warrior Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

The cramped space in the back becomes a second home for these troops.

They have got their own mugs on a shelf inside, one marked "boss", and there is a bottle of tomato ketchup next to them - for emergencies.

Lieutenant Head said: "It's been a bit uncomfortable to say the least, conditions are getting better.

"We're used to operating in various nasty environments. We're adapting to it and getting used to it. We're ready to go."

Fusilier John Win from Birmingham agrees.

"Morale's very high, we're ready to do our job."

Troops' frustration

While the British newspaper are a few days out of date, television and radio mean the troops can keep tabs on what is going on at the UN, and many do.

Fusilier Win added: "It is something troops are very interested in because obviously it's our lives."

Lieutenant Head continued: "It's quite frustrating. There's certainly some worry amongst the troops that the people back home aren't supporting us."

Fusilier Mark Boyson, from South Africa, said he believed it was necessary to sort the whole Iraq crisis out through the UN.

When asked how he would feel if they were told to go in without that backing, he would not be drawn.

What remains clear is that whatever the diplomatic machinations at the UN, British forces are nearing battle readiness.