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The head of the Army said today that he was "unrepentant" about his criticism of the Government - and he issued a fresh warning to Gordon Brown to find more equipment for troops in Afghanistan.
General Sir Richard Dannatt vowed to keep up pressure on the Prime Minister until he steps down from his military post next Friday.
His remarks were also a rebuff to Labour critics amid claims that the party had embarked on a smear campaign against him. During the summer recess Labour peer Lord Foulkes has submitted parliamentary questions on the cost of Gen Dannatt's official residence in Kensington Palace and his "chauffeur-driven cars", and about his use of helicopters for UK travel.
Last month the former development minister caused a storm when he suggested the general's criticisms "threaten to undermine our effort in Afghanistan and give succour to the enemy".
At a Help for Heroes charity event, Gen Dannatt said he was "absolutely unrepentant" about his calls for better equipment. "We have got some very good equipment but with an increase in the forces overseas, we have got to get more out there."
Reader views (10)
One can only hope that Alan from Islington's remarks are in jest.
If the Government sends troops to fight, wherever in the world that may be, the Government has a duty to ensure that they are funded and equipped to do that job. Whether or not you believe that they ought to have been sent there in the first place, or ought to remain there, "logic" surely dictates that much.
Funny, "scarce resources" did not seem much of hindrance when decisions were made to reimburse MPs for money spent on tarting up their second homes and putting through expenses for child care as secretarial support.
- Hb, Rochford, Essex
So you blame the Government for sending them there, and you also blame the Government for not spending enough so they can stay there longer?
I suggest a sure-fire way of protecting the troops you claim to defend is to campaign to bring them back
Not campaigning for more funds so they can stay there and get killed
Or is this too logical for some?
- Alan, Islington, Europe
A pity the Military don’t take-over from this useless bunch of whinging spineless crooks currently controlling our useless proven ‘Dysfunctional Government’. They are just a bunch of legitimized Robbers constantly making new Laws to tax us all of every penny we have. These (so-called) MP's are our biggest enemy, we need to focus on ridding ourselves of all of these useless leeches.
- Carl Barron, Christchurch, Dorset
Alan: the majority of the people do not want our troops in other countries. Blame our Government NOT the people you stupid man.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
That´s one of the things wrong with society, isn´t it? General Dannatt is answerable to his political master who are not fit to stand in his shadow. And why shouldn´t he have a chauffeur-driven car and the use of a helicopter? He´s one of the few people in the UK whose position justifies it. Lord Foulkes, on your bike!
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
This is not yet a military dictatorship, so that every military request need not be automatically granted
The Army is subject to the same laws on allocation of scarce economic resources as the rest of us
Perhaps the great british public should think twice before bombing other people's countries whilst simultaneously complaining about asylum seekers
- Alan, Islington, Europe
Who gives a damn about Lord Foulkes - Lord Fool more like it. Lord Dannatt as a replacement for Lord Foulkes would be a bonus for the country and for common sense.
- Lester May, London
My respect for the General is huge. I despise the slimey Labour people and the wriggling spinning smearing government machine. Oh that we could have a real government, but the Queen just goes along with the mendacious politicians.
- Sandy, Ealing, UK
Could we have a thourough investigation into Lord Foulkes. What qualifications he has to discuss the armed forces? What were his expenses? As a so called politician has he improved the life of anyone in theis country ? Or is he just another socialist sponger??
- Tonyjohnson, Hythe Kent
Good for you Sir Richard! I totally agree with what you have done and say thankyou for trying to do something!
- Judy, England
