AN MP says the government is not taking the war in Afghanistan seriously after seeing a report from a soldier who died weeks after pointing out the dangers of the lack of helicopters.
Gravesham MP Adam Holloway was leaked a report sent to the Ministry of Defence by Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe three weeks before he died in a roadside explosion in July.
In the memos, Lt Col Thorneloe, the most senior British officer to be killed in the Afghan campaign, had warned about the risks posed to troops by a shortage of helicopters.
The 39-year-old from Wandsworth, who was commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, said too many trips were being done by road, leaving forces vulnerable to roadside bombs.
Conservative MP Mr Holloway, a former Grenadier Guards officer who regularly visits Afghanistan, has criticised the government for not providing enough helicopters.
He told the BBC: “For the last two years, three years, we have been told constantly by the government that the guys have got enough helicopters to do the job.
“Well, anybody who has visited Afghanistan and spoken to the soldiers knows that there simply aren’t enough helicopters and never have been.
“Now, at last we have Colonel Thornloe almost predicting his own death saying, and he did not want to gripe about helicopters, everybody knows that we have not got enough.
“(He said) this increases the improvised explosive device (hidden bombs) threat and our exposure to the devices.
“I think this is absolutely devastating for the government because it just shows they are not taking this war seriously.
“The art of spin has actually resulted in the death of quite a lot of soldiers.”
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth says the government remains “determined” to provide the “very best equipment”.
He said: “My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe, who was a courageous soldier and a fine man.
“Our brave forces deserve the very best equipment and we remain determined to provide it.
“We know the value of helicopters on operations, and that commanders could do more with more.
“That is why we have increased the numbers and types, improved engines and almost doubled flying hours.
“To counter the roadside bomb threat we have also been improving unmanned air surveillance.”
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