IRAQ COMES CLOSER TO HOME

No-one can fail to be touched by the pictures and reports of Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan that have been in our papers and on our televisions over the summer. The situation in all three countries is complex and it is important for all of us that a peaceful resolution is found in all three countries as soon as possible.

This is not least because of our local connections to these countries.  I have met people in the constituency who have come to North Staffordshire to seek safety and refuge from these war zones.  And then local men and women will also be stationed in Iraq from this month when the Staffordshire Regiment will be posted on another tour of duty in the country. They returned from Iraq last October and so know about the complexities and difficulties which await them.

There are powerful arguments in support of the early withdrawal of British troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.  But the practical reality is that, whatever the colour of the Government, the involvement of British troops will continue for some time.

It is the job of Select Committees to impartially scrutinise the work of Government Departments.  They are made up of MPs of all the main parties who develop and expertise in that area of Government policy.  In August, the Ministry of Defence Select Committee published a report on the situation in Iraq, from an armed forces point of view.  It makes interesting reading and raises some important points about what the Staffords will face in October.

The first and foremost concern must be about troop safety. The report highlights some concerns which I will press Government to rectify as soon as is possible.  A major worry is the safety of the heavily used Snatch Land Rovers.  They are said to be manoeuvrable, but lacking in sufficient armour to protect their occupants from the types of weapons that enemy forces are using. The army must then find a balance between using these Land Rovers, and the heavier Warrior tanks which, it is claimed, can increase hostility because they are so aggressive and unapproachable.

The heat in these Warrior tanks can reach over 60° C– a temperature which can cause serious health difficulties. Although the Staffords will not be there in the heat of summer, it is not fair to ask any soldier to do an extremely difficult job under these conditions. It’s also not fair to ask them to work way above their hours, or on consecutive tours of duty, as many specialist units are doing.  It’s also right for soldiers to ask, given that they are putting their lives on the line, for sufficient equipment.  The report details how insufficient numbers of helicopters is restricting what many units can do.

Our troops are putting their lives on the line, and come October, this will include more local people once again. Given that we are currently involved in large scale campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, we owe it to our services that they have the necessary equipment and support. Meanwhile, the debate about early withdrawal and political solutions to the crisis will continue and I welcome your views.

If you live in Stoke-on-Trent North and would like to know more, or have a comment, then please be in touch.