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Fury at Labour peer’s attack on ‘disloyal’ Dannatt
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent21.07.09
A senior Labour peer sparked outrage today by accusing Britain's military chiefs of giving “succour” to the Taliban.
Former defence minister Lord Foulkes of Cumnock accused the head of the Armed Forces and the Army's chief of making comments that “threaten to undermine” the UK's effort in Afghanistan.
Speaking in the Lords, he called for defence minister Baroness Taylor of Bolton to remind Army head General Sir Richard Dannatt and Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup of the “importance of loyalty”.
Last Friday Sir Jock went to Downing Street with a list of requirements for British troops drawn up by Gen Dannatt.
Lord Foulkes, an Intelligence and Security Committee member, told Lady Taylor: “In this media dominated age it is even more important than ever to maintain a united front in dealing with ruthless and cunning enemies like the Taliban and al-Qaeda...the public comments of Sir Richard Dannatt and Sir Jock Stirrup threaten to undermine our effort in Afghanistan and give succour to the enemy.”
Shadow defence minister Gerald Howarth said: “It is outrageous for Lord Foulkes to accuse an outstanding general of helping to undermine the mission in Afghanistan General Dannatt has not only inspired his men through his military leadership, but has done more than anyone else to generate tremendous public support.”
Reader views (7)
The first "his lordship" needs to do is get out there where real life is going on. The second thing he needs to remember is that he is hardly in a position to question General Dannat's loyalty, who in fact swore an oath to the Queen, not parliament or some sleeazy, self serving politician!
- Carbine, Horsham, England
I doubt that his befuddled Lordship even knows where Afghanistan is.
- Carl, London
As a combat experienced former Armed Forces Officer I say Bravo General Dannatt and Air Chief Marshal Stirrup for telling the truth and being truly loyal to the men they command. Lord Foulkes is a fool. The only undermining of our forces is the Labour Government and people like Foulkes who has never served in combat or the military but has supported a government which has knowingly sent brave men and women into battle under equipped as they make the the ultimate sacrafice. It is a national disgrace.
- Bruce Finch, London UK
Notwithstanding of course that Foulkes is absurd.
- Steve, Brentford
If the government will not listen to the military's needs when communicated through the proper channels then what other options do senior officers have? I agree that a unified front is important in the propaganda war, but it's about time that these politicians realised that's not the only war being fought!!
- Mark, London
General Sir Richard Dannatt isn't there to toe the Labour Party line, or to prop up their spin machine. His only job is the military role in the mid-east. It appears he's doing just that, working on real-damage control FOR the military. Lord Foulkes, on the other hand, is attempting political-damage control for his political Party.
I don't think there's much question as to who is effectively "giving 'succour' to the Taliban".
- Rogan, Irving
I seem to recall that Lord Foulkes, in a former life was defense secretary or a gov minister in MOD. Has he forgotten that loyalty is a two way street?
- Colin Macpherson, Gramat France
