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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| PM 'refused extra Afghan troops' | PM 'refused extra Afghan troops' |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Prime Minister Gordon Brown refused a major Afghanistan troop reinforcement against the military's advice, the former head of the Army has said. | Prime Minister Gordon Brown refused a major Afghanistan troop reinforcement against the military's advice, the former head of the Army has said. |
| Gen Sir Richard Dannatt stood down in August 2009 after repeatedly speaking out against what he said were equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions. | Gen Sir Richard Dannatt stood down in August 2009 after repeatedly speaking out against what he said were equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions. |
| He told the Sun that ministers had to be taken "screaming and kicking" to agree to necessary measures. | He told the Sun that ministers had to be taken "screaming and kicking" to agree to necessary measures. |
| Downing Street has denied refusing a request for 2,000 extra personnel. | Downing Street has denied refusing a request for 2,000 extra personnel. |
| The cabinet is due to sit within the week to consider another request from military chiefs for more troops. | The cabinet is due to sit within the week to consider another request from military chiefs for more troops. |
| International discussions | International discussions |
| Gen Dannatt told the paper that the military advice since the beginning of this year had been for some 2,000 extra soldiers to be sent to Afghanistan - advice that he makes clear was not taken by the government. | |
| He describes himself as "disappointed" with the support the armed forces were given by ministers over the past three years. | |
| If the military says we need more troops and we can supply them, then frankly they should take that advice Gen Sir Richard Dannatt | |
| Gen Dannatt told the newspaper that the military's task was made harder by operating with what he terms "at least part of one arm tied behind one's back". | |
| He added: "The military advice has been for an uplift since the beginning of 2009. | |
| "If the military says we need more troops and we can supply them, then frankly they should take that advice and deploy up to the level we recommend. | |
| "If it means finding more resources and putting more energy in, let's do it. | |
| "If you're going to conduct an operation, you're doing it for a reason - to succeed." | |
| The number of UK service personnel in Afghanistan has risen in 2009 from 8,000 to just over 9,000. | The number of UK service personnel in Afghanistan has risen in 2009 from 8,000 to just over 9,000. |
| But many currently serving in Helmand say more boots on the ground are vital - and that initially, they may have to be British until enough Afghan security forces can be trained to take over. | But many currently serving in Helmand say more boots on the ground are vital - and that initially, they may have to be British until enough Afghan security forces can be trained to take over. |
| Gen Dannatt's comments come after US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said more time was needed to decide whether to increase troop levels in Afghanistan. | |
| A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the government had long insisted it would review troop numbers after the Afghan election, in the light of military advice, the situation on the ground and the outcome of international discussions. |