Elwyn Watkins and Oldham East & Saddleworth Liberal Democrats

Including Oldham, Saddleworth, Lees, Royton, Shaw & Crompton

Labour's slow response to helicopter shortage shameful

12.48.40pm GMT Tue 26th Jan 2010

Chinook helicopter carrying cargo

Commenting on former Defence Secretary Des Browne's admission to the Iraq Inquiry that concern was expressed over the number of helicopters even before Britain expanded its role in Afghanistan, Elwyn Watkins, Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham East & Saddleworth said:

"Labour's slow response to a clear shortage of helicopters in Afghanistan has been shameful. Des Browne has admitted that there were concerns years ago, yet it took two changes of Defence Secretary before we finally saw new Chinooks ordered - and even these will not be available till 2012 at best.

"This is yet more evidence of the Government's persistent failure to act on the needs of our frontline troops."

Bookmark this story at: del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg FacebookFacebook LibDigLibDig redditreddit StumbleUponStumbleUpon
Print this news story.
Comment on this news story.
Previous news story: 6,000 Oldham area pensioners will miss out on Cold Weather Payments (Tue 12th Jan 2010).
Next news story: Unfair tax system creates chasm between rich & and poor - Lib Dems (Wed 27th Jan 2010).

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY.
Published & promoted by P Renold on behalf of Elwyn Watkins and Oldham East & Saddleworth Liberal Democrats, all at Mill Gate, Hollins, Oldham OL8 4JL
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.