There is a very serious debate raging at the moment over a lack of proper equipment and, in particular, helicopters for our troops in Afghanistan. And, as ever, the Labour Government is being dishonest with the British people.
First, it is a simple fact that Chancellor Gordon Brown pushed through a £1.4 billion cut in funding for helicopters in 2004.
And second, whilst he and his ministers have been running around saying that British helicopter numbers in Afghanistan have increased by 60% since 2006, what they have failed to admit is that our troop numbers have doubled since then.
As someone who served with the British Army during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, I know only too well how vital the availability of helicopters is in treacherous areas where roadside bombs are an inherent danger to soldiers’ lives – for South Armagh substitute Helmand Province.
They are not a luxury but a necessity and the very least our men and women in uniform should expect when deployed in such a theatre of operations.
But, once again according to Gordon Brown and co, our troops and their commanders could not be happier with their lot.
The phrase “fog of war” is a well-worn one in times of conflict.
However, under this Labour Government, we can talk about fog being deliberately placed in the way of the truth almost each and every day.
Tragically, our soldiers are being made to pay for the deceit over a lack of helicopters with their lives.
First, it is a simple fact that Chancellor Gordon Brown pushed through a £1.4 billion cut in funding for helicopters in 2004.
And second, whilst he and his ministers have been running around saying that British helicopter numbers in Afghanistan have increased by 60% since 2006, what they have failed to admit is that our troop numbers have doubled since then.
As someone who served with the British Army during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, I know only too well how vital the availability of helicopters is in treacherous areas where roadside bombs are an inherent danger to soldiers’ lives – for South Armagh substitute Helmand Province.
They are not a luxury but a necessity and the very least our men and women in uniform should expect when deployed in such a theatre of operations.
But, once again according to Gordon Brown and co, our troops and their commanders could not be happier with their lot.
The phrase “fog of war” is a well-worn one in times of conflict.
However, under this Labour Government, we can talk about fog being deliberately placed in the way of the truth almost each and every day.
Tragically, our soldiers are being made to pay for the deceit over a lack of helicopters with their lives.
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