Gordon Brown visits Afgans troops amid defence row

[Supreme]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8553316.stm

Gordon Brown has visited British troops in Afghanistan amid a row over how well forces were equipped in the Iraq war.

The PM told the Chilcot Inquiry no request for equipment was refused but ex-Army chiefs challenged that claim.

The Tories said his trip to Helmand province was a "cynical" bid to deflect attention from the row, but Mr Brown said it had been planned for some time.

The PM promised 200 new patrol vehicles for British troops to give them better protection against roadside bombs.

They will replace the controversial Snatch Land Rovers which have been criticised for leaving UK troops vulnerable to attacks.

During his flying visit he told troops: "We will do everything we can to support you with the equipment necessary and the resources you need."

There is something fishy about this, the day after the Iraq Inquiry repeatedly asked him to explain missing equipment for British forces in Iraq, although as usual, the Conservatives have jumped aboard, criticizing the Prime Minister's every breath. 'Oh know, the Prime Minister has visited our troops on the front line, and promised £18 million of new equipment, the horror, the horror!' They truly are a pathetic party.