Tonight:
5°c
Your 'false' claims damage troop morale, Tories told
Nicholas Cecil, Deputy Political Editor1 Oct 2009
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth accuses the Tories of threatening troop morale in Afghanistan with 'false claims' about equipment shortages.
He went on the offensive after months of criticism of the Government over the number of helicopters, type of armoured vehicles and other kit being provided for Britain's 9,000 soldiers in the war-torn country.
Mr Ainsworth singled out shadow defence secretary Liam Fox, accusing him of not "bothering to check his facts" notably over the sending of Ridgeback armoured vehicles to Afghanistan, insisting this was being done ahead of schedule.
The Defence Secretary was due to tell Labour's annual rally in Brighton: "Liam, false claims don't just damage the Government.
"They risk damaging the morale of both our troops and the public.
"They risk damaging the mission."
Amid falling public support for the war, Mr Ainsworth warned against pulling out British forces too quickly.
"The terrorists would be characterised as the winners, we would be the losers," he was due to add.
Mr Ainsworth's speech came as the body of a soldier killed in Afghanistan was being repatriated today.
Private James Prosser, 21, from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, was killed in an explosion in Musa Qala in the southern Helmand province on Sunday, bringing the UK military death toll in the eight-year conflict to 218.
Reader views (9)
Can somebody please explain that propaganda is not the only way wars are fought. The troops are highly motivated and they're the ones complaining. The job of the opposition in a democracy is to challenge the Government, maybe sombody should explain that to the Marxists of NuLabour!
- Mark, London, 01/10/2009 22:47
Report abuse
........... but Mr Ainsworth, itīs not just the Tories who have been talking. Itīs the military chiefs too, and the troops in the front line. They all complain about equipment shortage.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 01/10/2009 16:18
Report abuse
Keith Lonsdale - I applaud you for "saying it how it is" The appointment of such an uncouth, uneduced man as Defence Secretary is the ultimate insult to our brave soldiers. I couldn't bear to listen to a word he says as I find his demeanour repulsive. Surely the holder of such an office ought to hsbr s military background and have a decent education.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK, 01/10/2009 13:17
Report abuse
This story is contradicted, and guess by which plank of a minister... He's just announced in his own speech that he can't send any more soldiers to Afghanistan as there isn't any kit! What a loony.
- Threaded, Roskilde, Denmark, 01/10/2009 13:06
Report abuse
So our troops out there are lying about their supplies and equipment, and wasting their money when they spend their own wages on body armour and suchlike that they think is better than MoD issue?
Someone tell this moron it's the 21st century. We have independant journalists out there with our troops, and (thank God) we don't yet have a ministry of Official Truth and Censorship. I'm sure that's in their plans, though, so we'd better make sure they get kicked out of office a.s.a.p.
- Nigel, London, 01/10/2009 12:39
Report abuse
Being posted to Forward Operating Bases in searing heat and rationed to 6 litres of bottled drinking water per WEEK due to the lack of helicopters and armoured vehicles to get supplies in is highly damaging for morale. Troops have to use well water treated with chemicals which tastes vile and gives them the runs. Fact - from my brother who is there. Ainsworth is clueless and should join the ranks of the unemployed.
- Ab, London, 01/10/2009 12:13
Report abuse
Blimp Ainsworth = PLANK. QED.
- Ted, London, 01/10/2009 11:36
Report abuse
I spent 20 years in the military, and still have close contact with serving members.
In their eyes Ainsworth would be better off ditching his business suit and dressing up in a clown outfit, with a big red nose that flashes every time he tells porkies.
Ainsworth is a third rate also-ran. His appointment as Defence Secretary, after his equally useless part-time predecessor, is seen by our service personnel as a clear indication of the contempt in which they are held by Gormless McClown and his inner circle of vainglorious Britain-haters.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 01/10/2009 11:34
Report abuse
More abject spin and waffle from the defence secretary.
JOE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW WHY THE UK WERE DRAGGED INTO THIS WAR AND WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING FOR THE WAR - OIL?
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 01/10/2009 10:20
Report abuse
