Soldier's Death Highlights Forces' Support Call

As more tragic news emerged from Afghanistan, the DUP has secured an 'Opposition Day' debate supporting 'United Kingdom Armed Forces and Veterans' in the House of Commons today.

On Tuesday, a soldier attached to the Irish Guards was fatally wounded by enemy gunfire.

Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker, who was part of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment was on patrol with his dog, Theo, (both pictured) when the soldiers were engaged by small arms fire, during which LCpl Tasker was struck and died from the injuries and then - on return to Camp Bastion - Theo his dog, suffered a seizure and died.

As the bad news came in, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell was already calling on the Prime Minister to ensure that the "Armed Forces can once again have faith in Government".

Mr Campbell challenged the Prime Minister David Cameron during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on the deplorable treatment of soldiers, including serving personnel told by email that their contracts would be terminated.

Speaking from Westminster Mr Campbell said: "Our Armed Forces have the respect and support of everyone right across the United Kingdom for the vital role they play.

"Traditionally they might have looked towards a Conservative government to defend their interests, whether in good economic times or in bad to defend their interests as they defend ours.

"However, the way in which our service personnel have been treated recently, whether via email or hard copy is nothing short of deplorable.

"That 38 soldiers received news of a contract termination via email rather than in person is simply unacceptable and only adds to the growing sense of anger which is developing amongst service personnel. My challenge to the Prime Minister was, in light of that treatment, how he intends to restore our Armed Forces' faith in government," he fumed.

"It is only a few weeks since the Government has been accused by the Royal British Legion of 'breaking promises on the covenant' and watering down its proposals which were supposed to have seen the covenant defined in law.

"I believe it is vital that those who are prepared to lay down the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country should be able to count on their government treating them with the respect which they so rightly deserve." he said.

Just hours after that, the soldier tragically shot dead on Tuesday was named by the Ministry of Defence as Lance Corporal Tasker of The Royal Army Veterinary Corps. The 26-year-old soldier was from Kirkcaldy, Fife and his death brings the total number of UK military personnel to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 358.

The DUP's 'Opposition Day' debate on support for 'United Kingdom Armed Forces and Veterans' took place in the House of Commons today.

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(BMcC/GK)