Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a package of measures to provide a significant boost to the military campaign in Afghanistan during his latest visit to the country.
Both UK troops and the Afghan National Security Forces will be the beneficiaries of increased funding and state-of-the-art equipment.
The Prime Minister announced that the sum of £33.1m will be made available for the development of the Afghan National Police in 2010/11, this to include the building of seven police stations in addition to the two UK-funded police stations opened in Helmand last month.
Visiting the Helmand Police training centre on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah to present graduation certificates to newly-qualified Afghan police, he stated that the extra money would help to build or refurbish a total of 48 police stations, including seven to be opened before spring next year.
The Prime Minister also inspected the replacement for the Viking vehicle, the new Warthog armoured vehicle, which is now operational in Afghanistan, and also meeting the soldiers who crew and maintain the armoured vehicle, Able to operate in very diverse environments – including the ability to move through water, climb steep slopes and cross drainage ditches – it is a tracked vehicle that provides troops with high levels of protection.
* A happy Christmas and prosperous New Year to all, Thanks for your support in the few months I have been writing the column. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like anything putting in the column next year and also dates for meetings.
DIARY DATES: Today: The Prince of Wales Association meets at 19.30 hours at Bradford Moor Conservative Club.
Monday: The Thornton branch of the Royal British Legion meets at 19.45 hours at Thornton Conservative Club.
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