Cameron says troops get raw deal

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Tory leader called for rest periods to start when personnel arrived home - rather than when they departed operations.

Mr Cameron announced the policy after chatting with soldiers over breakfast at the British Lashkar Gah base in volatile Helmand province.

Currently flights back from Afghanistan can be delayed days before reaching the UK.

Mr Cameron - visiting the troubled country for the third time since taking charge of the Conservative Party - said: "I think this is fair for our troops. They should be able to predict how long their leave is going to be rather than having to spend it on an aeroplane and on air bases a long way from home."

Mr Cameron has previously accused the Government of "breaking the military covenant" by letting troops down on equipment, healthcare, family support and accommodation.

A Conservative Party commission led by Falklands hero Simon Weston and author Frederick Forsyth raised the issue of "lost leave" in June, and their proposals have now been endorsed.

Earlier Mr Cameron and shadow foreign secretary William Hague had breakfast in the base's mess hall.

The Tory leader discussed conditions for soldiers and the situation on the ground with Captain Julian Mitchell, a member of 42 Engineer Regiment from Pembroke in west Wales, and Captain Andrew Rodgers, a member of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders from Oxford.

Mr Cameron said there had been "progress" in Afghanistan, but there were still concerns such as a shortage of helicopters and the unwillingness of some Nato countries to play their full part in operations.