Russell challenges Prime Minister over Afghanistan

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Dec 2007

Helicopter

Colchester MP Bob Russell has challenged Prime Minister Gordon Brown over what the Garrison Town MP considers is the failure of other countries to provide troops for the front line in Afghanistan.

Speaking in the House of Commons, in response to the Prime Minister's statement on Afghanistan during which Mr Brown referred to 38 nations working together to rebuild the country, Mr Russell asked: "How many have fighting personnel in the front line in Helmand Province."

The Prime Minister responded by saying that he would write to Mr Russell giving the figures, but admitted: "It is true that many countries have sent in members of their forces in a non-fighting role."

Mr Russell has previously challenged the then Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, for the failure of other countries, notably from Europe, in providing troops to act in a combat role in Afghanistan.

Today Mr Russell said that he was not satisfied with the responses he had received from either Mr Brown or Mr Blair. "Quite bluntly, other countries are not pulling their weight. From a European perspective, Britain is having to take on far more than it should and other European countries should be providing troops."

Mr Russell told the Commons: "In the New Year, 16 Air Assault Brigade from Colchester Garrison will be deployed to Afghanistan. Can the Prime Minister tell us how many of the 38 countries that he mentioned have fighting personnel in the front line in Helmand Province, and exactly what he means by burden sharing?"

Mr Russell is a member of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Defence team. He is currently spending time with the Army on the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. He is a Parliamentary Advisor to The Royal British Legion.