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20/08/2009
Minister Denies Dannatt 'Smear'
Claims that a junior defence minister attempted to 'smear' the reputation of Britain's top army general have been refuted.
Kevan Jones today denied newspaper reports he prompted MPs to publicly probe General Sir Richard Dannatt's expenses claims.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) Minister dismissed the allegations as "a silly season story".
Mr Jones said he looked forward to continuing his working with General Dannatt, who retires later this month.
In an MoD statement issued to the BBC, Mr Jones said: "General Dannatt and I have worked very closely on a number of personnel related issues, because we both care deeply about service men and women.
"I look forward to continuing our working relationship with General Dannatt, both now as CGS [Chief of the General Staff] and beyond into his retirement."
General Sir David Richards, a former commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan, has been appointed as Dannatt's replacement.
The out-going General courted controversy, and caused a political stir, in July by suggesting he would be taking a "a shopping list" of badly needed equipment for troops in Afghanistan to the Government.
Today a number of news outlets reported that Labour MPs had submitted Freedom of Information requests to the MoD questioning General Dannatt's expenses.
The Government acknowledged that requests have been sent, but could not confirm whether they were sent by Labour members.
Lord Foulkes, a Labour Party peer, has already raised questions over General Dannatt's costs in Parliament.
Shadow Tory defence secretary Liam Fox criticised the Government's apparent handling of the situation.
"At a time when our soldiers are dying in Afghanistan, ministers spend their time in puerile personality politics," he claimed.
"General Dannatt is a man of honour and integrity who leads from the front. His Labour detractors are squalid and cowardly, undermining from the shadows."
(PR/BMcC)
Kevan Jones today denied newspaper reports he prompted MPs to publicly probe General Sir Richard Dannatt's expenses claims.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) Minister dismissed the allegations as "a silly season story".
Mr Jones said he looked forward to continuing his working with General Dannatt, who retires later this month.
In an MoD statement issued to the BBC, Mr Jones said: "General Dannatt and I have worked very closely on a number of personnel related issues, because we both care deeply about service men and women.
"I look forward to continuing our working relationship with General Dannatt, both now as CGS [Chief of the General Staff] and beyond into his retirement."
General Sir David Richards, a former commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan, has been appointed as Dannatt's replacement.
The out-going General courted controversy, and caused a political stir, in July by suggesting he would be taking a "a shopping list" of badly needed equipment for troops in Afghanistan to the Government.
Today a number of news outlets reported that Labour MPs had submitted Freedom of Information requests to the MoD questioning General Dannatt's expenses.
The Government acknowledged that requests have been sent, but could not confirm whether they were sent by Labour members.
Lord Foulkes, a Labour Party peer, has already raised questions over General Dannatt's costs in Parliament.
Shadow Tory defence secretary Liam Fox criticised the Government's apparent handling of the situation.
"At a time when our soldiers are dying in Afghanistan, ministers spend their time in puerile personality politics," he claimed.
"General Dannatt is a man of honour and integrity who leads from the front. His Labour detractors are squalid and cowardly, undermining from the shadows."
(PR/BMcC)
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The former head of the Army has defended his decision to potentially become a Conservative peer. General Sir Richard Dannatt stood down from his high profile military role just weeks ago. He came under heavy criticism from the government for suggesting troop numbers in Afghanistan were inadequate.
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General Sir David Richards today became the new head of the British army. He takes over from General Sir Richard Dannatt, whose last weeks in charge have been marred by political controversy. General Richards may have to face-down similar problems, as disagreements over military resources continue to simmer.
New Army Chief Marches In
General Sir David Richards today became the new head of the British army. He takes over from General Sir Richard Dannatt, whose last weeks in charge have been marred by political controversy. General Richards may have to face-down similar problems, as disagreements over military resources continue to simmer.
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25 September 2009
General Quits Over Afghanistan
Beleaguered PM Gordon Brown is again facing criticism after news that a top army general has resigned. Major Gen Andrew Mackay, who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan, was unhappy about strategy. McKay was General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.
General Quits Over Afghanistan
Beleaguered PM Gordon Brown is again facing criticism after news that a top army general has resigned. Major Gen Andrew Mackay, who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan, was unhappy about strategy. McKay was General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.
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