Downing Street Says » Armed Forces

» Friday, December 8, 2006

Armed Forces

Asked what the reaction was to General Sir Mike Jackson’s comments recently about the poor conditions and pay of the British troops, the PMOS replied that the Prime Minister had given his reaction yesterday, and the MOD in turn had given their reaction.

The PMOS pointed out the increase in the defence budget that was announced had allocated a £3.7 billion increase over the next three years which was the highest sustained growth in 22 years and the longest period (7 years) of sustained real terms growth in planned defence spending for over 20 years. Therefore, as the Prime Minister had said, he respected the General enormously, and recognized that there were always improvements that could be made. What the figures showed, and as Mike Jackson had acknowledged, this Government was spending more on defence than others had done.

Asked if the Prime Minister had been made aware of the recent big assault by UK troops in Basra, the PMOS replied that in terms of Basra, Operation Sinbad continued. With regards to the details, that was a matter for the commanders on the ground.

3 Comments »

How can General Jackson be so insensitive on the day when Dick Cheney was killed in Iraq:

<a href="http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i12675">http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i12675</a>
Comment by Tony B — 8 Dec 2006 on 6:30 pm | Link
In Afghanistan, they(I refuse to say we)continue to repeat the Iraq mistakes over and over again. ‘Operation Western Hammer’ this bloodstained crassness was called. Really strong on the ‘hearts and minds’ among the civilian populatiion with operations like this:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,2…0- 38201,00.html
Comment by Sarah — 10 Dec 2006 on 12:33 pm | Link
Yeah but at the very least it is using up ordnance which then has to be replaced – so SOMEONE is winning! There is good in every situation, if you look hard enough!!! :-S
Comment by SmokeNMirrors — 13 Dec 2006 on 4:30 pm | Link

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