Cameron backs Russell on UAVs
June 18, 2010 12:00 AM
Prime Minister David Cameron has given an assurance to Colchester MP Bob Russell that more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are to be used to help protect British Forces serving in Afghanistan.
Mr Cameron gave the pledge in response to a direct question from Mr Russell who had said that in the autumn soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, from the Colchester Garrison, would be deployed to Afghanistan for the third time.
Liberal Democrat Mr Russell told the House of Commons: "Bearing in mind that UAVs are a very welcome tool in identifying insurgents and those who lay improvised explosive devices (IEDs), will the Prime Minister give a commitment that UAVs will be very much there and part of the equipment programme?"
Responding, Mr Cameron said: "I can give Mr Russell that reassurance. On previous trips to Afghanistan, I have had proper presentations on the work of UAVs, drones, Predators, Reapers and other such projects, and what they are able to do is incredibly impressive.
"A great deal of British investment is going into those technologies, too, and we will ensure that they can be deployed as quickly as possible."
Afterwards Mr Russell - who has twice visited British troops serving in Helmand Province, at Camp Bastion - said he was pleased with the Prime Minister's positive response. "We owe it to our brave military personnel that we do all we can to prevent injuries and loss of lives. UAVs are a very effective tool in defeating the Taliban insurgents."
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