LONDON, April 30 (RIA Novosti) - British Defence Secretary John Hutton announced on a visit to Iraq on Thursday that British troops would leave the country one month earlier than initially planned, U.K. media reported.

Hutton was in Basra for a service to honor the 179 British personnel killed during the six-year conflict in Iraq.

Earlier it was reported that the 3,700 British troops in Iraq would complete their tour of duty by the end of May and would leave the country within two months.

Hutton said Great Britain's presence in the country is coming to an end and its active military role in the country is being finalized.