Menu
25/09/2009
General Quits Over Afghanistan
Beleaguered PM Gordon Brown is again facing criticism after news that a top army general has resigned.
Major Gen Andrew Mackay, who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan, was unhappy about strategy.
McKay was General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.
He was also the 'theatre' commanding officer when Prince Harry spent 10 weeks from December 2007 in Afghanistan under his command.
While the Ministry of Defence has insisted that the general's departure was a "personal matter", critics of the PM will be quick to blame Gordon Brown and his Defence Secretary for the resignation.
Major Nick Haston, who was the general's Deputy Chief of Staff, also resigned from the Army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.
Major Gen Mackay's resignation comes as the Daily Telegraph reported that a mole who leaked details of MPs' expenses said he was partly motivated by anger at inadequate equipment for UK troops.
Already, the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson said Mackay's had battled throughout his career to "improve the lot of the ordinary soldier".
"His departure underlines the serious dissatisfaction that exists within the military over the UK government's strategy in Afghanistan, and the support provided for our forces," he said.
See: MP's Expenses Back In Headlines
(BMcC/GK)
Major Gen Andrew Mackay, who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan, was unhappy about strategy.
McKay was General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.
He was also the 'theatre' commanding officer when Prince Harry spent 10 weeks from December 2007 in Afghanistan under his command.
While the Ministry of Defence has insisted that the general's departure was a "personal matter", critics of the PM will be quick to blame Gordon Brown and his Defence Secretary for the resignation.
Major Nick Haston, who was the general's Deputy Chief of Staff, also resigned from the Army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.
Major Gen Mackay's resignation comes as the Daily Telegraph reported that a mole who leaked details of MPs' expenses said he was partly motivated by anger at inadequate equipment for UK troops.
Already, the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson said Mackay's had battled throughout his career to "improve the lot of the ordinary soldier".
"His departure underlines the serious dissatisfaction that exists within the military over the UK government's strategy in Afghanistan, and the support provided for our forces," he said.
See: MP's Expenses Back In Headlines
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 August 2009
New Army Chief Marches In
General Sir David Richards today became the new head of the British army. He takes over from General Sir Richard Dannatt, whose last weeks in charge have been marred by political controversy. General Richards may have to face-down similar problems, as disagreements over military resources continue to simmer.
New Army Chief Marches In
General Sir David Richards today became the new head of the British army. He takes over from General Sir Richard Dannatt, whose last weeks in charge have been marred by political controversy. General Richards may have to face-down similar problems, as disagreements over military resources continue to simmer.
12 April 2010
Returning Soldiers Honoured
Afghanistan veterans have been officially recognised. Members of C Squadron of the Household Cavalry Regiment were last Friday presented with their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals.
Returning Soldiers Honoured
Afghanistan veterans have been officially recognised. Members of C Squadron of the Household Cavalry Regiment were last Friday presented with their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals.
20 August 2009
Minister Denies Dannatt 'Smear'
Claims that a junior defence minister attempted to 'smear' the reputation of Britain's top army general have been refuted. Kevan Jones today denied newspaper reports he prompted MPs to publicly probe General Sir Richard Dannatt's expenses claims. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) Minister dismissed the allegations as "a silly season story".
Minister Denies Dannatt 'Smear'
Claims that a junior defence minister attempted to 'smear' the reputation of Britain's top army general have been refuted. Kevan Jones today denied newspaper reports he prompted MPs to publicly probe General Sir Richard Dannatt's expenses claims. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) Minister dismissed the allegations as "a silly season story".
21 July 2009
Afghan Blast Kills Another Soldier
It has been another bloody 24-hours for UK forces as another British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan. It means 187 UK servicemen have now died in the conflict and while the next of kin of the latest victim - an explosives specialist - have been informed - the trooper has yet to be named.
Afghan Blast Kills Another Soldier
It has been another bloody 24-hours for UK forces as another British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan. It means 187 UK servicemen have now died in the conflict and while the next of kin of the latest victim - an explosives specialist - have been informed - the trooper has yet to be named.
20 July 2009
Army General Silenced As Death Toll Rises
As news that another UK soldier has been killed in a blast in Afghanistan, damning comments over poorly equipped soldiers on the front-line have seen one of the UK's top military men silenced. The soldier who died was serving with 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in Sangin, in northern Helmand province.
Army General Silenced As Death Toll Rises
As news that another UK soldier has been killed in a blast in Afghanistan, damning comments over poorly equipped soldiers on the front-line have seen one of the UK's top military men silenced. The soldier who died was serving with 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in Sangin, in northern Helmand province.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
