HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister Gordon Brown announces more equipment and support for troops [December 2009]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 14 December 2009.
The Prime Minister has announced that the Government “will go further” in providing equipment and support to troops serving in Afghanistan.
In a statement to the House of Commons following his visit to Kandahar and Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Gordon Brown said the Defence Secretary is due to announce plans for more equipment, including specialist counter-IED support.
“The latest tranche of urgent operational funding from the treasury will include an extra £10 million for handheld mine detectors to follow the £12 million set aside earlier this year for new explosive disposal robots, over 30 of which are now in operation. And I can also announce a package of longer-term investment in our counter-IED capability including new facilities for training and for intelligence – an extra 50 millions pounds a year – £150 million in total this year and over the next two years.”
The PM said the announcement follows a doubling in helicopter numbers over the past three years; an increase of almost 80 per cent in mastiff vehicles and double the number of Ridgback vehicles since the summer; and a 20 per cent increase in aerial surveillance to track and target Taleban Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Gordon Brown said he also began preparations with president Karzai on the London conference in January. He said the focus for the conference would be on security, reintegration, economic development, and the coordination of international efforts in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister also thanked British Armed Forces in a year in which “100 of their colleagues have made the ultimate sacrifice”.
On the EU Council meeting held on 10-11 December 2009, the Prime Minister said European leaders addressed the economic recovery and how Europe can move forward a climate change deal at Copenhagen.
Leaders also expressed their “grave concern” over Iran’s nuclear weapons intentions.
