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Army General quits 'after rows with ministers'
Ben Bailey25.09.09
The Government was facing fresh criticism of its treatment of British troops in Afghanistan today after a senior Army general quit in an apparent row over policy.
Major-General Andrew Mackay, who was awarded the CBE for his frontline service in Helmand and led Prince Harry during his deployment, is leaving the army for "personal reasons", the Ministry of Defence said.
But several military sources claimed the resignation was linked to the general's growing unhappiness over the treatment of the forces. According to several newspapers, he had clashed with ministers over the issue.
He is the latest of at least four officers to leave forces prematurely amid criticism of strategy in Afghanistan.
Maj-Gen Mackay was recently promoted to the post of General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.
He commanded the Helmand Task Force from October 2007 until April 2008 and was commended for recapturing the strategic town of Musa Qaleh from the Taliban. He was later awarded a CBE for his role in the operation.
Prince Harry spent 10 weeks in Afghanistan from December 2007 under Maj-Gen Mackay's command.
An MoD spokesman said last night: "We can confirm that Maj-Gen Andrew Mackay has decided to leave the Army. This is a personal matter for him."
Among previous resignations, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Tootal and Major Sebastian Morley expressed displeasure at equipment shortages.
Senior military commanders have been calling for extra troops in Helmand amid fears that the death toll will continue to soar.
Gordon Brown is said to be considering sending an extra battlegroup of up to 1,000 men.
Major Nick Haston, who was Maj-Gen Mackay's deputy chief of staff, resigned from the Army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.
Brigadier Ed Butler, of 16 Air Assault Brigade, also quit, voicing concerns.
General Sir Richard Dannatt stepped down as head of the army after repeatedly speaking out in public to highlight what he saw as equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions.
The Prince's tenure in Afghanistan in December 2007 was known to the media but, under a unique arrangement, newspapers and broadcasters agreed to keep it secret until his tour ended.
When an Australian magazine referred to his presence in Helmand, he was swiftly extracted for fear of inviting an attack from the Taliban and the story of his 10-week tour was published.
Reader views (6)
Hello London,
If you take the Queens Silver and sign up you must do as you are told, it's know good picking a fight with the Prime Minister, or going to the press, you are NOT forced into joining up.
Quitting is a cowards way out when things get hot.
If you QUIT you should not get a penny.
What would happen if all our Armed Forces QUIT?.
- John L., Scarborough N.YKS. England. U.K.
Well done to those who have the guts to speak up and even resign.
However, would it not be better to remain where you are and leak inside information to the press and/or do an anonymous blog to at lease embarrass this sick and traitorous Government?
- Ralph, London
Thereīs something wrong here. The UK is losing itīs best military leaders but retaining itīs defunct politicians. Shouldnīt it be the other way round?
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
Michael D'Ferrari, London: most people in the Army get paid jack-zip compared to a similar job in normal life. They pay normal income tax and unlike the MPs they serve, they have to pay for their accommodation from their own pockets.
http://www.hmforces.co.uk/content/army_pay_rates_2009 to give you an idea.
Whilst employed he cannot comment publicly and risks being called a hypocrit if he later says he opposed policy without managing to change it.
More to the point, if Brown puts an extra 1,000 troops in, where will he get them from? The Army is under-funded, under-rewarded and too small. The MOD has 2 people in Whitehall to adminster each soldier who can fight. Who knows best about how to fight a military campaign: a man who has dedicated his life to soldiering, or a man who has dedicated his life to politicking?
- Roz, France
He should have stayed and fought his ground with ministers. It would be interesting to know what his leaving package is. When most people resign they get nothing and pick up any deferred pension at 65 but top civil servants seem to get an extremely large lump sum and immediate pension.
- Michael D'Ferrari, London
Generals Mackay, Dannet, Jackson, etc. should all stand in the next eloection - I would vote for them!!!
- Very Very Angry At Paying Tax For Mp'S Expeses, Home Counties
