THE Government is facing unprecedented criticism from soldiers likely to be on the front line if Britain goes to war with Iraq, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Squaddies serving with the British Army in Canada have described how patience is wearing thin with the Government's "make do and mend" policies.

The troops, based in North Yorkshire, say years of cutbacks have taken a toll on the Army's readiness for war. Among the problems they identified were:

* Continuing problems with the standard-issue SA-80 assault rifle;

* Guns jamming on the Warrior armoured personnel carriers used to transport soldiers into battle;

* Problems with radios and the condition of some of the Army's heavy equipment;

* Uniforms which fall to pieces on the battlefield;

* Fears that the Challenger II main battle tank is ill-prepared for war in desert conditions.

Last night, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) accepted there was a problem with the Warrior's 90mm main gun.

Incredibly, the MoD blamed soldiers for firing too many rounds. A spokeswoman said: "The gun is designed for short bursts rather than sustained fire."

But she added: "There are suggestions that the feed mechanism could be improved and tests will be carried out in October to investigate the cause of overheating problems."

The MoD has also promised troops more hard-wearing uniforms in the light of complaints that current combat kit falls apart too readily.

A new batch, which has a higher polyester content, is being distributed as older uniforms perish.

The issue of Britain's battle readiness has been a political hot potato since Operation Saif Sareea, held in Oman last year, revealed serious defects in so-called state-of-the-art equipment, including the Challenger II battle tank.

The Challenger, which would play a key part in any ground attack using UK forces, fell victim to sand which wrecked the engine.

Some soldiers claim they have been warned they face disciplinary action if they step out of line to speak out about their fears.

But one told The Northern Echo: "The Government doesn't seem to want to spend money on the forces because it is not fashionable.

"It is more interested in schools and hospitals because they are more likely to win votes."

The warning comes only a day after the MoD said it was still considering the future of the SA-80 rifle - another weapon singled out for criticism.

Tests on the weapon have followed complaints that even the upgraded SA-80 A2 version jammed and misfired in dusty desert conditions during operations in Afghanistan.

Officials had blamed the failure of the rifle in the field on problems with cleaning.

However, soldiers who spoke to The Northern Echo insist, no matter what happens now, many squaddies have lost confidence in the gun.

"What we need is the American M16," said a member of The King's Regiment, which is based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

"It doesn't jam as much and you can even use it to fire grenades.

"We don't know why, but the SA-80 seems to jam for lots of different reasons. The Iraqis have AK47s which are tougher and can cut you in half with one volley."

Another soldier from the same unit questioned the reliability of the gun fitted to the Warrior armoured personnel carrier.

"It also seems to overheat easily," he said.

"You can feel the heat from the chamber when you are inside the cabin - and it could be a lot worse in the desert."

Sappers from the Ripon-based 38 Engineer Regiment claim some of their equipment is beginning to show its age.

"I know some lads who have quit the Army, not because they don't like the life, but because they became more and more frustrated with having to make do and mend," said a lance corporal.

Another soldier said: "We are the victims of our own success in a way - we make the best of the gear we have, and it's often enough to persuade the Government it doesn't need to spend money on new kit."

Senior officers overseeing Operation Iron Anvil, in Canada, defended their readiness last night.

"Generally, the British Army's equipment is sound," said 19 Mechanised Brigade's Deputy Chief of Staff, Major Jim Landon.

"What we have to remember is that, in the event of a war, troops sent to fight would be given priority.

"They would have the best and the newest equipment, just like the soldiers serving in Kosovo or Afghanistan at the moment. Any shortcomings would be addressed immediately."

A spokeswoman for the MoD added that none of the soldiers serving with 19 Mechanised Brigade had yet been issued with the upgraded SA-80, but declined to comment further on the weapon's performance.