The Women putting their lives on the Line to make Afghan history

Thirteen extraordinary women are quietly making history in the most conservative corner of Afghanistan.

Fearlessly, the first thirteen female Afghan National Police recruits in Helmand Province now stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in their fight against crime and the Taliban insurgency

Fighting the Taliban on a daily basis is a dangerous job, but these women have the added burden of having to work undercover, terrified that their neighbours and, in some cases, their families might find out what they do with potentially lethal consequences.

Having carefully made their way to Task Force Helmand HQ under the cover of burkas they speak openly about their jobs from behind the safety of the camp walls. “I tell my neighbours that I work at a clinic. If they found out what I did, I would be reported to the Taliban. They would have me killed within seconds. My job is a secret from everyone; not even my husband knows”, says Zaazanga.

Zaazanga is 36 and married with six children. Her husband is 90-years-old and she works to support her children because her husband is elderly and infirm. “When I leave the house to go out on patrol I don’t know whether I’ll be coming back. It is dangerous work.”

Malaaley, 22, has been in the ANP for five months. She joined, not because of financial worries, but because she was educated and could see a future in the police force. She is the first-ever officer-ranked policewoman in Helmand Province. “I have so much enthusiasm for the police. I want to progress up the ranks. Someday, I’ll be a General.”

And Malaaley has already shown she has what it takes to get to the top. Just months into the job she tackled a Taliban fighter singlehandedly: “We heard that some terrorists were leaving a compound so we went into the area to stop them. The women police officers often go into the compounds first so that they can search the other women. When I got in, I caught a man who had narcotics and grenade bombs strapped to him. He was Taliban so I arrested him. He was sent to prison.”

Malaaley knows that she risks her life daily to make Helmand safer for the Afghan people and, in particular, women who are often subject to domestic abuse and assaults. “I know that I make a difference. In the neighbourhood where I live there are Taliban. I sometimes worry something will happen to me but nothing will make me leave. I’m proud of what I do.”

So taken with life in the Afghan National Police, Malaaley persuaded her 37-year-old mother to join. Paalwasha is immensely proud of her daughter: “I worry about her when she is working but I have three girls at home and I would encourage every one of them to join the ANP. It is very interesting. Just last week I was out on the range learning to shoot a pistol. I never thought I’d do that.”

All of the women hope to forge a different future for their children. Paalwasha speaks for them all when she says: “All we want is the elimination of terrorism and for Afghanistan to be free. If we can have development we can have a future.”

Miriam is the oldest of the recruits at 57. She spent 30 years living in Iran before she moved to Afghanistan with her husband. Initially they struggled to eke out a living and three years ago Miriam joined the ANP to ease their dire financial problems. She is open about her job with her neighbours: “They all know. Some of them are scared that I am a spy for the British Forces. I reassure them that I am not and they begin to trust me.”

“I encourage myself to be the best and although there are only a small number of us I know that we can boost the level and morale of women in Afghanistan. What we are doing is good for the future of women here.”

Recently, the women went onto the firing range for the first time to hone their shooting skills, something they had never previously been allowed to do. It was a move championed by Isabella McManus, an MOD police officer, who recently deployed to Afghanistan and immediately saw promise in the small group of women who sat in the corner of the Police Headquarters, untrained, unnoticed, without uniform and without motivation.

Isabella said: “It wasn’t my job to start mentoring the women specifically but they struck a chord with me. They were ignored entirely at the Police Headquarters and it wasn’t right. They needed a uniform giving them some status and they needed training and equipment. I’ve fought those battles with them every step of the way and we are getting somewhere. The women are empowered and it’s great to see.”

On their first occasion out on the firing range the women were greeted by sneering men, who doubted their ability with weapons. But their scorn quickly dissipated when the first woman got all five shots bang on target.

Miriam said: “I think of myself as equal to the men. The men don’t agree but I feel right doing this job. I have no fear and I am happy.”

With the guidance and support of Isabella the women are achieving truly extraordinary things. One of the women, Wooranga, has a fierce reputation within the police force. After spending 20-years in the Army during the time of the Russian invasion, she is a force to be reckoned with and a figurehead for the other women in the ANP.

The 39-year-old is married to a 100-year-old man and is the breadwinner in her household. She openly tells people about her work in the ANP and claims to be afraid of nothing. This was evident when during a night raid on a compound near Nawa she came face to face with a Taliban fighter. “I went into the compound first, while the male police officers waited outside. As I stood on a wall I saw one of the enemy pointing an AK47 towards me. I launched myself off the wall, landing on top of him and wrestled the weapon from him. Then I called to the men to help me. The Taliban fighter was surprised by what I did.”

Thirty three-year-old Gulaley, a mother of six, also came into a close scrape when she attempted to search a woman at a checkpoint on the way to Herat. Having checked a bus full of people Gulaley watched as the woman got off the bus and took something from a man waiting outside. “I noticed it happening so when she got back on the bus I asked to search her again. She disputed that I needed to, saying that she had already been checked.

“As I searched her the second time I found a pistol hidden at the back of her neck under her burka. She fought with me and punched me in the face, smashing my glasses.”

Despite suffering injuries to her face, Gulaley said she felt emboldened by the experience. “My son is in the ANP as well. He has suffered injuries while on duty but we wear the scars with pride. I am not scared.”

Wooranga is also credited with stopping two suicide bombers from detonating devices and, on a separate occasion, karate-kicking a remote control from the hands of a terrorist intent on detonating a device in Lashkar Gah market, for which she received a reward from the Police Headquarters.

But the danger of their job is not lost on the women. No one knows this better than Najiba, a 34-year-old mother of seven children, left widowed when her husband was shot dead alongside his brother at a police checkpoint in Helmand. “They were sleeping when the Taliban came in and shot them. I was two-months pregnant at the time. My children were orphaned and I needed the money so I joined the ANP. I am worried sometimes but I have to do this for them. My hope is just that my children will be able to eat. They are so small; I want them to have a future.”

The women have come a long way in the last few months since Isabella began to champion their cause. Later this month they hope to have a uniform for the first time thanks to Isabella’s persistence. “I sat down with the women and we designed something that would be culturally acceptable but would allow them to wear their rank with pride. They are starting to feel valued and the number of recruits has almost doubled since I’ve been here.

“It’s an incremental process but in a Province where women are often expected to be seen and not heard, what these women are doing is truly amazing. Last month they helped to provide security for the election polling stations. They are literally making history. They are few in number but they are paving the way for Helmandi women to have a very different future.”

Pride of the British Armed Forces recognised at ceremony

A soldier who fought through intense danger and perilous circumstances to recover the body of a comrade killed in an explosion in Afghanistan is among a number of gallant service personnel recognised in the latest Operational Awards List.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Benjamin Kelly’s Military Cross is announced today (Friday) with the official announcement of the awards. WO Kelly ordered his crew to remain in their vehicle and spent 30 minutes, alone, recovering Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary O’Donnell, who had just been killed while attempting to defuse an improvised explosive device.

WO2 O’Donnell received a posthumous bar to his George Medal earlier this year for his actions in Afghanistan. Now WO2 Kelly is recognised for his exceptional bravery demonstrated under the most demanding mental and physical pressures.

But his is just one of more than 100 awards for gallantry and meritorious service announced today, covering the period October 2008 to March 2009. Many of those recognised served with the 3 Commando Brigade Task Force that deployed to Afghanistan in autumn 2008, but awards also go to others involved in operations in Iraq, elsewhere overseas and in the UK. Award recipients are primarily from the Royal Navy and Army.

Among the highest level awards announced for actions in Afghanistan are Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses for Royal Marines Acting Corporal Bradley Malone and Marine Steven Nethery. Acting Corporal Malone showed complete disregard for his own safety by leaving cover and advancing across open ground to rescue his troop sergeant who had become isolated in a dangerous area. His fighting prowess turned the tide of a battle and potentially saved several men from a deadly ambush.

Meanwhile Mne Nethery, as a general purpose machine gunner, took every opportunity to go above and beyond the call of duty. He ran, unarmed, under concentrated fire, to retrieve a wounded colleague, and then braved the open ground a second time to prevent vital equipment falling into enemy hands.

Another notable award goes to Commander Task Force Helmand on Op Herrick 9, Brigadier Gordon Messenger DSO OBE, who has been decorated with a Bar to his Distinguished Service Order. This is the first Bar to a DSO awarded to a member of the Naval Service since 1957, and across all three Services since 1996.

Operational Awards List 33 also includes recognition of meritorious service during the UK’s now completed combat mission in Iraq. Leading these awards is former General Officer Commanding in Basrah, Major General Andy Salmon, who is appointed a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George.

At an event on Thursday the award recipients were congratulated by senior representatives of their Services: From the Royal Navy, the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Alan Massey; and from the Army, General Officer Commanding London District Major General Bill Cubitt.

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said:

“The stories of gallantry and heroism behind these honours and awards are nothing short of astounding. Reading through the citations serves as a reminder, were it needed, that the UK really does have the bravest, most professional military in the world. The servicemen and women recognised today are not just the pride of the British Armed Forces, they are the pride of Britain.”

A re-run of the Afghan election should not be ruled out

Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague has expressed concern about widespread reports of irregularities and fraud in the elections in Afghanistan.

"It is very important for the success of what our troops are doing in Afghanistan that the Afghan people accept the legitimacy of the Government", he said.

"It is vital that the Electoral Complaints Commission completes its work and that President Karzai does not declare victory before that work is done, even if it means delaying the provisional result of the election".

Hague added that if the Electoral Complaints Commission required some elections to be re-run then "that should happen", and said that a full second round of the election shouldn't be ruled out "if that proves necessary".

Radical reform needed at the MoD

In a major speech this morning, Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox set out how a Conservative Government will reform the Ministry of Defence.

He also spoke about the importance of our mission in Afghanistan. "Failure in Afghanistan would have profound geopolitical implications", he said.

"The damage to the cohesion, confidence and credibility of NATO would be immense and it would provide a shot in the arm for jihadists worldwide".

Fox outlined three key priorities for the next Conservative Government:

"First, launch a wide ranging and detailed strategic defence review.

Secondly, we will simultaneously conduct a capabilities review. There are questions for all three services as to whether they have an over abundance of senior posts. How do we stop the trend where the military seems consistently to shrink while the civil service keeps growing?

And finally, we will perform a root and branch reform of the procurement process. Reforming the procurement process will be no easy task. In fact, it will probably prove to be the greatest challenge in terms of increasing the efficiency of the MoD. All options for reform, no matter how radical, are on the table. "

He added that the MoD needed "new vision, fresh thinking, and new leadership" that only a new Government can provide. "Increasingly the public are wakening up to the sorry state of defence under Labour. It is likely to be an election issue for the first time since the end of the Cold War."

Defence resignation highlights Labour's failings

Liam Fox has reacted to the resignation of Eric Joyce – a key aide to the Defence Minister, saying that his assessment of Labour defence policy is "one that both service personnel and the public will recognise".

He said it is "extraordinary" that Labour ministers still don’t know what is going on at the Ministry of Defence, adding that they have had 12 years of "serial incompetence" in running the MoD.

Little fresh thinking in Brown’s Afghan speech says Nick Clegg

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats:

“The situation in Afghanistan is on a knife-edge. Yet today we have heard little in the way of fresh, new thinking from Gordon Brown," said the Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Commenting on Gordon Brown’s speech on Afghanistan, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“The situation in Afghanistan is on a knife-edge. Yet today we have heard little in the way of fresh, new thinking from Gordon Brown.

“After pursuing an overambitious and under-resourced strategy for eight years it’s hard to believe that increasing the training of the Afghan police and army will now do the trick. We need a bolder change of strategy to turn things around. When it comes to Afghanistan, we need to do things properly or not at all.

“Despite the recent elections being plagued by fraud and low turnout, Gordon Brown has chosen not to take a stance on this issue. He must realise that a second round of elections is now necessary to ensure Afghanistan gets a president with legitimacy without which the conflict against the Taliban will be all the more difficult.”

PM MUST RETHINK NOT RE-STATE AFGHAN STRATEGY

Commenting after the Prime Minister delivered a speech on Afghanistan this afternoon (Friday) SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP repeated calls for a rethink of UK strategy warning that a re-statement of the mission was not enough to convince people that the best strategy was being pursued.

Mr Robertson, who visited forces on the frontline in Afghanistan earlier this year, has repeatedly called for a strategic review of operations and objectives.

Mr Robertson said:

“If Gordon Brown wants to convince people the best course is being pursued he must rethink strategy, not just re-state it. The fact is, the prime minister cannot convince his own MPs the best strategy is being pursued, never mind the public or our forces themselves.

“Gordon Brown does not seem to recognise that we need a major rethink to win hearts and minds here at home as well as the support of people in Afghanistan .

“That strategic review of operations must convince people that a proper strategy and proper objectives are being pursued with the likelihood of success. Right now people are not even sure that our forces are getting the equipment they need to do the job.

“The Taliban were meant to have been defeated eight years ago, but after operations exceeding the length of the Second World War, the fact that fighting has gotten worse underlines the folly of the Labour government's decision to take us into Iraq . Distracted by the Iraq quagmire, the government took its eye off the ball in Afghanistan .

“Now, the awful toll of military personnel killed in Afghanistan , along with questions over the legitimacy of the Afghan elections, has left people asking just what our forces are fighting for.

“It is time we had a major rethink that looks at all the options, and that will give people, not least our troops themselves, the confidence that the right strategy is being pursued and is achievable.”

PM outlines Afghanistan strategy

The Prime Minister has outlined the Government’s long term strategy in Afghanistan, promising more support for troops and a stronger focus on increasing the presence of the Afghan army.

During a speech at the Institute of International Strategic Studies, Gordon Brown said the more Afghans can take responsibility for security in the short term, the less coalition forces will be needed in the long term.

Mr Brown said British troops would speed up their training of Afghan forces and move to a partnership role, “living, training and fighting alongside them”.

But he said in the short term UK forces would also have to address the changing tactics of the Taliban, in particular the increased use of mines and roadside bombs.

The PM said the Government was committed to ensuring that British forces have the resources necessary to do their job and promised ongoing investment in helicopters and vehicles.

“We have since 2006 spent over £1 billion from the reserve on new vehicles for Afghanistan, including 280 mastiffs which offer world-leading protection against IEDs. Between November 2006 and April this year we increased the number of helicopter hours by 84 per cent - and on top of that, as well sharing coalition helicopters, we lease hundreds of hours each month from commercial operators for routine supplies.”

The Prime Minister said the Government would continue to work on shifting the focus of the Helmand economy from heroin to wheat production and that the UK would continue to invest in education for Afghan children.

The UK will provide an extra £20 million to help stabilisation and security in Helmand, including police training and basic justice, he said.

“In Afghanistan last week I was further convinced that despite the challenges we face a nation emerging from three decades of violence can be healed and strengthened; and that our country and the whole world can be safer; because together we have the values, the strategy and the resolve to complete our vital task.”

Megrahi for oil and for PR...and Mandelson definately wasn't involved!

The decision to release Megrahi was probably the right decision at law. It should also be remembered that the only reason we had him in the first place was because of a dodgy deal brokered between Blair and Gadaffi. Megrahi's family was paid very well at the time and I was never personally convinced that a guilty man was handed over.

In my view this decision was definitely made for political reasons. Any situation in which Mandelson claims to be offended and cries ridicule at the very suggestion that something dodgy has gone on behind closed doors usually points to the fact that it has.

One thing that should be remembered as the US sits on the end of the British bed and begins to dress itself is that we are probably going to have to make some other friends with oil quickly if we are to have any hope of not plunging further into economic doom and dispair.

If we were to choose our friends based on oil and in light of the respective death toll and humanitarian consequences of Lockerbie in comparison to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, it seems a bit academic as to who the choice would be. However we are also to be judged in the latter and perhaps in releasing this man, guilty or not in the eyes of god, we may inadvertently be on the road to improving our image in the eyes of Islam which in some places does appear to have rather a lot of oil and money laying about.

SMEARS MUST END AS NEW DEFENCE CHIEF TAKES POST

As General Sir David Richards takes over as Chief of the Defence Staff today (Friday) the SNP called on the UK Government to get behind the new forces commander – and put an end to the Labour smear campaign which had been directed at his predecessor.

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said Ministers must give their full support to Gen Richards as he focuses on the military effort in Afghanistan . Labour has been under fire over attempts to smear his predecessor, General Sir Richard Dannatt, after a peer, Lord Foulkes, tabled parliamentary questions seeking to embarrass the head of the Armed Forces. Lord Foulkes previously accused Gen Dannatt of giving 'succour to the enemy' for demanding more helicopters in Afghanistan, and recent media reports suggest Labour are co-ordinating an effort to smear the outgoing commander.

Mr Robertson said:

“General Richards takes on his role at a critical time, and he must be able to count on the support of ministers and be able to speak frankly about operational issues without fear of vilification.
“Sir David’s predecessor spoke out about defence needs and was met with slurs and smears from Labour.

“Instead of asking serious questions about equipment and military strategy, Lord Foulkes was more interested in trying to embarrass the chief of the defence staff over his travel arrangements. As our forces face very difficult challenges in Afghanistan , we must have no repeat of these petty attacks.

“The UK Government must give our forces, at every level, the support they need as they serve the country.”

Merlin Helicopters Train For Afghanistan

The Merlin Helicopter Force has commenced a 4 month training exercise in the United States as the final stage of preparation for its end of year deployment to Afghanistan.

The Merlins, from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, will provide vital support to ground operations, increasing the capacity of UK helicopter lift in Afghanistan by a further 25%.

Exercise MERLIN VORTEX will train crews for the unique challenges of the Afghan environment: the ‘hot and high’ conditions and constant threats they will face on a daily basis.

With temperatures soaring to 50oC and rarely dropping below 35oC at night the ‘Hot’ part of the training requirement is met, along with the opportunity to test landing in dusty conditions. ‘High’ training comes in the form of mountain ranges of varying heights, which with the high temperatures means the environment allows the Merlin to operate to the limit of its capabilities, providing outstanding preparation for deployment to Afghanistan.

RAF Sergeant Tom Pringle, Merlin Crewman said:

“The environment out here is very challenging but I believe that it will prepare us well for success in Afghanistan. Train hard, fight easy. The facilities are great and the Americans have been very welcoming and supportive.”

RAF Flight Sergeant John Stone is a Merlin Crewman on the Training, Development and Standards Flight:

“To train effectively for survival aspects in Theatre we need to be operating with all the same equipment that we would have on operations. From a tactics point of view I believe that the combination of live firing ranges, to practice self-defence, and representative terrain have enabled us to put together a comprehensive and realistic package of pre-deployment training that is well paced”.

RAF Squadron Leader Dave Morris is Officer Commanding B Flight, 78 Squadron:

“We came out here to undertake ‘Hot and High’ training for Afghanistan. The area provides a wide variety of terrain allowing us to achieve a high standard of instruction in new techniques. The environmental conditions are representative of Afghanistan and the effect of training in this unique location will be to increase the confidence and ability of the crews to a level where they are ready to deploy. You can never be too prepared and there is always more training to come but the lessons we learn out here will allow the Merlin force to deploy with confidence”.

“The entire Merlin Force will be able to experience the highest standards of training in a representative environment. The overall feeling is one of confidence that the training received here will allow the Merlin Force to take up its role in Afghanistan and provide the same outstanding level of support that it gave to ground forces in Iraq”.

AS AFGHANISTAN GOES TO POLLS, UK MUST RECONSIDER STRATEGY

As the people of Afghanistan go to the polls in today’s (Thursday) elections, the SNP has reiterated calls for a strategic rethink of operations in Afghanistan .

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP, who visited forces on the frontline in Afghanistan earlier this year, said that a candid review of strategy is essential to convince people that the UK government has an achievable strategy.

The run up to the Afghan presidential election has seen very heavy losses with the number of British service personnel lost in the conflict exceeding 200 with serious questions being asked of the UK ’s approach. In recent days, head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, has called for more resources warning that key shortages are undermining operations to protect troops from roadside bombs while the UK’s former ambassador to the UN, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, says the army has been "holding a wall up" in Helmand, but "no one has come along to build a buttress" of development.

Mr Robertson said:

“Earlier this year I saw at first hand the reality of the situation facing our brave forces, now is the time for total candour on the human and material cost of the ongoing operations, its timescale and its chances for success.

“In recent months, senior military sources have raised real concerns about the resources being made available while the UK ’s former ambassador to the UN has questioned the lack of development policy in the region.

“History shows that conflicts in Afghanistan are incredibly complex. We need to avoid mission creep by focusing on what it is we want to achieve in Afghanistan .

“It is imperative we undertake a major review of our strategy – a review of both deployment of resources and political objectives.”

First Elizabeth Cross presented to family of fallen soldier

The first Elizabeth Cross has been presented to the family of Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Sean Upton at his funeral today.

WO2 Upton, from 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed in an explosion while on a foot patrol in Sangin District, Helmand Province, on 27th July 2009.

The institution of the award of the Elizabeth Cross, to which Her Majesty The Queen has given Her name, was announced in Parliament on 1st July 2009 in national recognition of the loss and sacrifice suffered by the families of those who are killed on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism.

This is the first time the name of a reigning Monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for brave acts by both civilians and the military. Prior to this, the Victoria Cross was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for acts of gallantry by the Armed Forces.

The Elizabeth Cross – a sterling silver emblem, in the shape of a cross over a wreath – plus a Memorial Scroll signed by The Queen were presented to WO2 Upton’s wife, Karen Upton, before the funeral, which was held today at the Garrison Church at Catterick, Yorkshire. The presentation was made by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, The Lord Crathorne JP, and The Master Gunner St James’s Park, General Sir Timothy Granville-Chapman GBE KCB ADC Gen.

Karen Upton, 32, said:

“It is an absolute honour to receive the very first Elizabeth Cross in Her Majesty’s name and comforting to feel the support of Queen and Country. Sean and I grew up together, were childhood sweethearts and soul mates. He was a loving husband and devoted father. Wherever our children, Ewan and Hollie, and I go, my husband will always be with us. Sean was an outstanding soldier, loved his job and was part of the Army ‘family’. I will wear this Elizabeth Cross in his honour with pride and treasure it always.”

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said:

“We as a nation owe much to servicemen like WO2 Upton, who gave his life fighting for our security and freedom. But we all also owe a great debt to his family. The presentation of this first Elizabeth Cross in the name of Her Majesty The Queen is a lasting symbol of the entire nation’s gratitude and respect.”

Lieutenant Colonel John Musgrave, Commanding Officer 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, said of WO2 Upton:

“5th Regiment has lost a truly dedicated and exemplary soldier and man, who was a role model to all he met and worked with; always living and working to the highest standards, but also always with a smile on his face and a ready laugh, true to his belief that soldiering should be a rewarding way of life. He will be sorely missed.”

At the time of the announcement of the Elizabeth Cross, Her Majesty The Queen said:

“This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all. The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character. As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect.”

The Elizabeth Cross is available to the next of kin of those who have died on medal earning operations or as a result of terrorism since 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.

The arms of the Elizabeth Cross bear floral symbols representing England (Rose), Scotland (Thistle), Northern Ireland (Shamrock) and Wales (Daffodil). The reverse of the Cross is engraved with the name of the person in whose memory it is granted.

The Elizabeth Cross is presented with a Memorial Scroll on parchment style paper, headed with the Royal Coat of Arms and the following words: “This Scroll Commemorates [name to be inserted] who gave his/her life for Queen and Country on [date to be inserted] ”. The Scroll bears the signature of Her Majesty The Queen in the upper left hand corner.

The Cross and Scroll were inspired by precedents from the first and second World Wars. A scroll and a memorial plaque were presented to the families of those killed in World War One. A scroll was given to the families of those who died in World War Two and in the Korean War in the early 1950s.

Families of those Service Personnel who have died since 1948 are invited to read the information on the MOD Medal Office website which includes information on the eligibility criteria and details of how to apply. Information and an application form can also be obtained by calling the Medal Office on 0800 085 3600.

SNP CALL FOR AFGHAN RETHINK AS DEATH TOLL RISES

UK MINISTER MUST TAKE INITIATIVE AFTER AFGHAN ELECTION

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP has repeated calls for a major rethink of UK strategy in Afghanistan as the British death toll in Afghanistan reached 200.

Mr Robertson, who visited forces on the frontline in Afghanistan earlier this year, said a serious review of strategy after the Afghan elections this month was now more necessary than ever.

Mr Robertson said:

“This is a desperately sad time for those who have lost loved ones in Afghanistan and, on behalf of the SNP, I would like to offer my deepest condolences.

“This tragic milestone throws into sharp relief the need for a serious review of our operations in Afghanistan to refocus out efforts and ensure that the right strategy is being pursued and is achievable.

“After almost eight years, our military personnel deserve a realistic and focussed approach from the UK government. Ministers must take the initiative after the Afghan elections this month to rethink our strategy and objectives reflecting the wider regional concerns.

“Earlier this year I saw at first hand the reality of the situation facing our brave forces, and now is the time for total candour on the human and material cost of the ongoing operations, its timescale and its chances for success.”

PRESSURE PILES ON BROWN OVER AFGHANISTAN

PM FACES MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT EQUIPMENT AND SPIN

Pressure is piling on Gordon Brown to answer yet more questions about how his government is dealing with the campaign in Afghanistan after a series of newspaper reports highlighted serious concerns about equipment and reporting of the campaign.

The Prime Minister faces continuing questions over whether troops are being provided with the necessary equipment to tackle the Taliban after it emerged in today's Daily Telegraph that life-saving vehicles built to withstand roadside bombs have been stranded in Dubai for the past month, while the Daily Mail reports that Defence chiefs warning that new Merlin helicopters being sent to Afghanistan lack Kevlar armour, making them vulnerable to small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

In a separate development, it has also emerged in the Guardian that a military press officer is set to sue the MoD claiming that he was forced to tell "government lies" to the families of British soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan – by leading bereaved families and the media to believe that the soldiers had been properly equipped when they were killed, something he had come to believe was untrue and "morally indefensible".

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said the Prime Minister had serious questions to answer about his previous claims that there were enough helicopters in Afghanistan .

Mr Robertson said:

“To send brave soldiers into harms way without the equipment they need is unforgivable, inexcusable and a breach of trust. Gordon Brown cannot dodge the serious questions that are mounting about equipment in Afghanistan . He is already exposed for saying there were enough helicopters only to have Bob Ainsworth contradict that claim by saying he was 'busting a gut' to get more helicopters into theatre.

“It is extraordinary that today's reports say life-saving vehicles built to withstand Taliban roadside bombs have been parked-up in Dubai for the last month – during one of the bloodiest periods in the conflict. It is equally unbelievable that the new Merlin helicopters lack Kevlar armour. That armour would cost just £100,000 – a drop in the ocean compared to the billions Labour want to waste on a new generation of Trident nuclear missiles.

"To compound these latest revelations we also have those of a military press officer revealing that he could no longer tell "government lies" to bereaved families about equipment.

"These are serious allegations and they now put Gordon Brown under serious pressure.

“What he needs to do is end his defensiveness over questions about equipment and start delivering the kit that is needed by our forces on the frontline.”

Hague calls on Labour to clear up Afghanistan confusion

William Hague has called for greater clarity from Ministers about Britain's mission in Afghanistan.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary was speaking following the publication of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee's report on Afghanistan, which states that the Government's strategy has suffered from significant "mission creep".

William said the report confirmed the Conservatives' view that Britain's objectives in Afghanistan should be "realistic, tightly-defined and subjected to regular formal assessment."

He warned that the report should serve as "a wake-up call to the Government", who must clear up the "confusion" about what we are trying to achieve in Afghanistan, adding:

"We need to know that the right strategy is in place, that Whitehall is working properly to deliver it, and that British troops have all they need to do their part."

OUTRAGE AT MoD ATTEMPT TO CUT WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ AWARDS

OUTRAGE AT MoD ATTEMPT TO CUT WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ AWARDS

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP has hit out at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over an attempt at the Court of Appeal to significantly reduce the compensation awarded to two injured soldiers.

Mr Robertson has written to the Defence Secretary demanding to know how much the MoD has spent on legal advice and representation in their attempt to challenge the compensation payments.

Mr Robertson said:

“The Ministry of Defence are behaving shamefully in attempting to cut these compensation payments. These two soldiers were wounded while fighting for their country, and now the UK Government is fighting them in court – it is an outrageous and exceptionally crass way to treat these men.

“It is frankly offensive that when our servicemen and women are risking their lives engaged in fierce fighting in Afghanistan , sustaining significant casualties in the process, the MoD are attempting to slash the compensation levels awarded to those wounded in battle.

“Soldiers, sailors and airforce personnel have already volunteered to do a difficult, dangerous and stressful job often in hostile territory thousands of miles from home. To be met with such a response from the MoD when seeking compensation for wounds received in service is unacceptable.

“The MoD should think again about how their action will be viewed by the service community in the present circumstances.”

We need a comprehensive strategy in Afghanistan

William Hague has stressed a “comprehensive strategy” must be put in place to bring about a stable Afghanistan.

He said there was “nothing new” about David Miliband’s suggestion that moderate elements of the Taliban are included in talks in Afghanistan.

And he made clear that this must be only one element of our approach:

“(Our) strategy must include clear, tightly drawn, realistic objectives that are regularly reviewed, more rapid development of the Afghan security forces, and ensuring that the gains won by British forces on the battlefield are swiftly followed by reconstruction.”

“Above all, the British Government must ensure that our troops are properly equipped for the crucial operations they are involved in, including the earliest possible increase in the number of helicopters and armoured vehicles.”

Fox condems "pathetic spectacle" of Malloch-Brown retraction

Liam Fox has described Lord Malloch-Brown's U-turn on the number of helicopters available to UK troops as a "pathetic spectacle" of a Minister "rowing back under pressure from Number 10."

Lord Malloch-Brown, a Minister in the Foreign Office, had previously conceded to the Daily Telegraph that UK forces "definitely don't have enough helicopters".

Liam, the Shadow Defence Secretary, said it was now clear that our troops are being asked to fight a war "for which Labour has not properly equipped them" - and added:

"It is now clear that the harm this Government fears most is to its own reputation, not our national interest, or that of our Armed Forces."

LORD FOULKES SHOULD APOLOGISE FOR ASTONISHING ATTACK ON ARMY CHIEFS

Responding to comments by Labour MSP Lord Foulkes, who accused the head of the Armed Forces and the Army's chief of making comments give 'succour to the enemy', the SNP’s Westminster Leader and defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP said:

“These are astonishing remarks and totally out of touch. Lord Foulkes should apologise for making such outrageous accusations.

“If Gordon Brown can get Lord Malloch-Brown to retract his comments today, why does he not get Lord Foulkes to do likewise with his disgraceful comments?

"Considering the difficulties faced in Afghanistan, I would have thought Richard Dannatt and Jock Stirrup have shown restraint in this matter which is something Lord Foulkes should consider adopting."