Nato manpower tops Brown's agenda

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer is making his last visit to London before his retirement from the post at the end of the month at a time of fierce political controversy over the UK's mission in Afghanistan.

The head of Britain's armed forces Chief of Defence Staff Sir Jock Stirrup last week gave Mr Brown a "shopping list" of equipment required by troops on the ground in Afghanistan, with more helicopters believed to be a high priority.

And both Sir Jock and Army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt have left no doubt of their belief that the 9,000-strong British force needs more "boots on the ground" to drive the Taliban out of the southern province of Helmand and securing territory from which the group has been cleared.

Britain has repeatedly called for a greater contribution from its European allies in Nato towards the multinational mission in the country, whether in the form of troops with the ability to take on frontline duties or to train the Afghan National Army, logistical support, additional equipment or money to pay for helicopters.

The death of 16 British troops in the space of two weeks this month has led to intense political debate over the need for more helicopters, which would allow commanders to move soldiers around the battlefield without the risk from roadside bombs.

Conservative leader David Cameron denounced the Government's failure to supply more helicopters to British troops in Afghanistan as "a scandal".

"Of course it is partly about money, but a lot of it is really about commitment. If three years ago, the Government had really put its shoulder to the wheel, it could have delivered more helicopters," said Mr Cameron.

Meanwhile, former Defence Secretary John Hutton added his voice to calls for better resourcing of the Afghan campaign, saying that the mood among troops on the ground was "unequivocal" on the need for more manpower, helicopters and protection against improvised explosive devices.

But Business Secretary Lord Mandelson denied that British troops were dying because of a shortage of helicopters. Current operations are "well supported by logistics," stemming from decisions made by Mr Hutton during his time as defence secretary, he said.