Hugh Sandeman
Conservative Councillor for Bell Hill ward, Petersfield

Last night's Channel 4 documenary Dispatches saw a reporter embedded with British, Afghan and Estonian troops and reporting upon their fight against the Taleban in Afghanistan.

The battle to take the town of Garmser in Helmand province from the Taleban, evolved from an action planned to take 24 hours, to a tiring battle lasting six days. Running out of ammunition, and medical supplies and with the 17 British troops having to tend to many wounded men from both sides the footage really showed how hard the fighting is for our troops.

Regardless of whether the conflict is 'right' or 'wrong' or if it will even succeed in banishing the Taleban from the Country, the simple lack of supplies, equipment and direction as shown in the film last night clearly leaves our men in unnecessary danger and also unable to complete the mission they have been sent to undertake efficiently.

The failure by the Labour Government to fund our forces adequately to meet the huge demands upon them is a National disgrace. This follows-on from the recent news surrounding Naval vessels being placed into mothballs to reduce costs. To see what Dr Lian Fox MP, the Shadow Defence secretary said about our currently overstretched forces click HERE to visit the Conservatives homepage.