Brown extends remit in trip to Afghanistan
The chancellor Gordon Brown has met with British troops in Afghanistan, where he praised their “great courage and bravery”.
Mr Brown has been meeting with British military personnel at various sites across southern Afghanistan in a pre-arranged visit.
The chancellor is officially in the country to pledge an additional £15 million for economic development in the country, but for many it will be seen as him extending his role beyond the Treasury.
The UK has a long-term commitment to helping Afghanistan become a stable, democratic country, Mr Brown insisted. The additional funds will be used for Afghanistan’s national solidarity programme, used to improve essentials such as infrastructure, drinking water and public health.
Speaking before his arrival, Mr Brown said: “I am here today to listen to our troops. I want to thank them and pay tribute to the work they have been doing to help the Afghan people build a secure and democratic nation.
He continued: “No one should be in any doubt about the United Kingdom’s long-term commitment to help Afghanistan achieve this.
“Achieving security must be our first priority but, as we have learnt elsewhere, economic development will also be essential to long-term peace. So, the UK will continue to support development and reconstruction projects and work with the Afghan government to build a sustainable future.”
Last week’s Budget contained an additional £400 million for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and during his visit Mr Brown confirmed this would include investments in new Merlin and Chinook helicopters.
To bolster the additional funding, the UK has committed more troops to Afghanistran, with 7,700 scheduled to be there by summer.
During his visit, the chancellor also condemned Iran’s detention of 15 Royal Navy and Marine personnel.
The parading of Leading Seaman Faye Turney on Iranian television is “cruel, callous, inhuman and unacceptable”, Mr Brown declared.
