22 July 2009

Minister 'Clarifies' Chopper Comments

Foreign Office top brass Lord Malloch-Brown has sought to clarify his statement on helicopter resources in Afghanistan.

The out-going minister, speaking to the Daily Telegraph, had said: "We definitely don't have enough helicopters."

However, today the Foreign Office insisted there were "without doubt sufficient resources" for current Afghan operations.

The Ministry sought to issue a "clarification" to Lord Malloch-Brown's earlier statement.

He said: "It is important that I clarify the comments that are reported in today's Daily Telegraph.

"On the issue of helicopters in Afghanistan, I was making the point - as the prime minister and commanders on the ground have also done - that while there are without doubt sufficient resources in place for current operations, we should always do what we can to make more available on the frontline."

Lib Dems accused the peer of looking "dotty" for the first time.

So far this month 18 servicemen have lost their lives in the Afghan conflict, mostly in the hazardous Helmand province.

Claims have been made that fatalities rose due to increased ground movement by UK troops.

Soldiers are more at risk from makeshift explosives while travelling by land, creating the argument for more helicopter availability.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has faced down criticism of a lack of resources.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Lord Malloch-Brown said: "When you have these modern operations and insurgent strikes what you need, above all else, is mobility."

However, Lib Dem Nick Harvey claimed the Foreign Affairs Minister's later "clarification" was a "blatant attempt to brush it all under the carpet."

"I think he was right the first time and the clarification unfortunately makes him look completely dotty.

"It's perfectly clear to everybody there are not enough helicopters there... I don't think anybody's going to be fooled," said Mr Harvey.

(PR/JM)