Private Eye has a special section in the current issue devoted to defence. I don't have a link, but a summary is below:
As we all know, Sgt Brown of 45 Commando stuck his head bravely above the parapet (whilst still in uniform) after the tragic death of Marine Gary Wright in an October suicide bombing attack. Sgt Brown stated that there was a lack of "Vipir" IR thermal imaging sights, which can be used to identify possible concealed explosives. He stated that his company had 3 sets and required 25.
This story was run by the Mail, and picked up by other journalists.
Enter Drayson, Labour donor and corporate benefactor of this government, who subsequently appeared on the BBC's World at One programme. He claimed - when challenged over the issue raised by Sgt Brown - that 1,400 sets of night vision goggles were being sent to Afghanistan. As most who use this site will know, NVGs are a different piece of kit entirely and operate by amplifying available light, and are not infra red thermal imagers.
Drayson's lie was helped by the technical ignorance of the BBC interviewer, who let Drayson get away with his fib.
Drayson is a liar and his lies will cost lives and damage the reputation of the British Armed Forces. I read this Private Eye article two days ago and was incensed. What has driven me to fury now is the reported incident of a crowd shooting following a suicide bomb attack. The details of such an alleged incident should not be discussed on this website whilst the allegation is under investigation or subject to judicial proceedings. Nevertheless, it is clear that the lack of suitable equipment and the sheer mendacity of this government is directly contributing to the threat to British Forces and will be constraining the tactics that can be used. If preventable deaths arise because of the lack of equipment, I would hope (but doubt) that Drayson is summoned to subsequent coroner's inquests or courts-martial.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6179120.stm
As we all know, Sgt Brown of 45 Commando stuck his head bravely above the parapet (whilst still in uniform) after the tragic death of Marine Gary Wright in an October suicide bombing attack. Sgt Brown stated that there was a lack of "Vipir" IR thermal imaging sights, which can be used to identify possible concealed explosives. He stated that his company had 3 sets and required 25.
This story was run by the Mail, and picked up by other journalists.
Enter Drayson, Labour donor and corporate benefactor of this government, who subsequently appeared on the BBC's World at One programme. He claimed - when challenged over the issue raised by Sgt Brown - that 1,400 sets of night vision goggles were being sent to Afghanistan. As most who use this site will know, NVGs are a different piece of kit entirely and operate by amplifying available light, and are not infra red thermal imagers.
Drayson's lie was helped by the technical ignorance of the BBC interviewer, who let Drayson get away with his fib.
Drayson is a liar and his lies will cost lives and damage the reputation of the British Armed Forces. I read this Private Eye article two days ago and was incensed. What has driven me to fury now is the reported incident of a crowd shooting following a suicide bomb attack. The details of such an alleged incident should not be discussed on this website whilst the allegation is under investigation or subject to judicial proceedings. Nevertheless, it is clear that the lack of suitable equipment and the sheer mendacity of this government is directly contributing to the threat to British Forces and will be constraining the tactics that can be used. If preventable deaths arise because of the lack of equipment, I would hope (but doubt) that Drayson is summoned to subsequent coroner's inquests or courts-martial.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6179120.stm
I imagine others who live in constituencies with more independently-minded MPs will take this issue further. Alternatively, the Commons Defence Committee could take an interest and haul in Drayson for one of their periodic grillings.
