From The Times
July 20, 2009
Peter Mandelson clashes with John Hutton over Afghanistan
Francis Elliott, Deputy Political Editor
Lord Mandelson delivered a barely coded rebuke yesterday to John Hutton, the former Defence Secretary, as the row over British troops and helicopters in Afghanistan prompted a bout of Labour infighting.
Mr Hutton said that the desire on the front line for more help was unequivocal and that it was âgoing to take more resources to properly executeâ Britainâs military strategy.
Lord Mandelson responded by insisting that British troops were âwell supported ... stemming from decisions taken by John Hutton as Defence Secretaryâ. He said that future provision would be kept under review and that General Stanley McChrystal, the US and allied commander in Afghanistan, would assess what was needed.
âJohn Hutton may not be aware that intensive discussions about these future needs are already under way and those will be properly assessed when the firm recommendations are made by the military commanders in the field,â Lord Mandelson added.
He denied that Gordon Brown had turned down a request for 2,000 extra troops and said that it was the Governmentâs intention to protect the defence budget from cuts.
Calls for more helicopters and men have increased this month after 16 British deaths in two weeks. Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of Defence Staff, went to Downing Street on Friday with a shopping list of requirements drawn up by the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt.
More on the link
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6719719.ece
July 20, 2009
Peter Mandelson clashes with John Hutton over Afghanistan
Francis Elliott, Deputy Political Editor
Lord Mandelson delivered a barely coded rebuke yesterday to John Hutton, the former Defence Secretary, as the row over British troops and helicopters in Afghanistan prompted a bout of Labour infighting.
Mr Hutton said that the desire on the front line for more help was unequivocal and that it was âgoing to take more resources to properly executeâ Britainâs military strategy.
Lord Mandelson responded by insisting that British troops were âwell supported ... stemming from decisions taken by John Hutton as Defence Secretaryâ. He said that future provision would be kept under review and that General Stanley McChrystal, the US and allied commander in Afghanistan, would assess what was needed.
âJohn Hutton may not be aware that intensive discussions about these future needs are already under way and those will be properly assessed when the firm recommendations are made by the military commanders in the field,â Lord Mandelson added.
He denied that Gordon Brown had turned down a request for 2,000 extra troops and said that it was the Governmentâs intention to protect the defence budget from cuts.
Calls for more helicopters and men have increased this month after 16 British deaths in two weeks. Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of Defence Staff, went to Downing Street on Friday with a shopping list of requirements drawn up by the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt.
More on the link
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6719719.ece