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Lead UK force in Helmand changes Lead UK force in Helmand changes
(about 2 hours later)
British forces in southern Afghanistan will be led by 4th Mechanized Brigade from April 2010, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced.British forces in southern Afghanistan will be led by 4th Mechanized Brigade from April 2010, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced.
The routine rotation will install 4th Mechanized Brigade as the UK's lead formation in Helmand province.The routine rotation will install 4th Mechanized Brigade as the UK's lead formation in Helmand province.
They will replace 11 Light Brigade and be in command of the majority of units serving in the country.They will replace 11 Light Brigade and be in command of the majority of units serving in the country.
There are currently more than 10,000 UK troops deployed in Afghanistan, including about 500 special forces.There are currently more than 10,000 UK troops deployed in Afghanistan, including about 500 special forces.
Mr Ainsworth announced the deployments in a written statement to the House of Commons.Mr Ainsworth announced the deployments in a written statement to the House of Commons.
The deployment - which does not change overall force levels in Afghanistan - will include 40 Commando Royal Marines, the Royal Dragoon Guards, the Queen's Royal Lancers, 1st Battalion the Scots Guards and the Royal Scots Borderers.The deployment - which does not change overall force levels in Afghanistan - will include 40 Commando Royal Marines, the Royal Dragoon Guards, the Queen's Royal Lancers, 1st Battalion the Scots Guards and the Royal Scots Borderers.
It will also include 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment and 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles.It will also include 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment and 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said although deployments had been announced, the objective of bringing UK forces home remained.Prime Minister Gordon Brown said although deployments had been announced, the objective of bringing UK forces home remained.
Speaking on a visit to a housing estate in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, he said: "Our aim is that the Afghan army itself is strong enough, and the police is stronger, so that they can take over control of the country and we can gradually bring our troops home."Speaking on a visit to a housing estate in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, he said: "Our aim is that the Afghan army itself is strong enough, and the police is stronger, so that they can take over control of the country and we can gradually bring our troops home."
The 11 Light Brigade, which was formed specifically for Helmand, replaced 19 Light Brigade in October 2009.The 11 Light Brigade, which was formed specifically for Helmand, replaced 19 Light Brigade in October 2009.
The latter lost 70 men during six months of fighting.The latter lost 70 men during six months of fighting.
Cuts have been made to anti-terror schemes overseas
The announcement came as a row broke out about whether government investment in projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan had been cut because of the falling value of the pound abroad.
Speaking at a display of upgraded kit for frontline troops, Mr Ainsworth said the budget for Afghanistan remained the "overwhelming priority".
More money than ever was being spent on kit for soldiers, he said.
Mr Ainsworth conceded "pound exchange rate changes" had presented "difficulties" but said money would be moved to protect priorities if necessary.
The comments came after Foreign Office Minister Baroness Kinnock appeared to contradict a statement by Prime Minister Gordon Brown on counter-terrorism.
She revealed the Foreign Office was facing a budget shortfall across the board this year, which would worsen slightly in 2010/11, and counter-terrorism in Pakistan and anti-narcotics work in Afghanistan were facing cuts.
Her comments came two hours after Gordon Brown outlined a range of new counter-terrorism measures to MPs in a Commons statement.
He had said the "crucible of terrorism" on the Afghan-Pakistan border remained the "number one security threat to the West".