Colchester MP's Army Question to the Prime Minister

12.00.00am GMT Fri 29th Feb 2008

Bob Russell MP during a recent visit to Helmund Province

Colchester MP Bob Russell this afternoon - during Prime Minister's Question - announced to the House that confirmation had been given this morning to the deployment of troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade (based at the Colchester Garrison) to serve six months in Helmand Province.

Mr Russell then told the Commons that he had visited southern Afghanistan last week and the morale of the brave Service men and women he had met was extremely high.

But Mr Russell then went on to criticise the failure of the majority of European countries for not doing more to support the NATO effort in southern Afghanistan. He called on the Prime Minister to urge other European countries to provide troops, helicopters, medical staff and logistical back-up to support the UK efforts.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the points made by Mr Russell, thanked him for the report he (Mr Russell) had given to the Commons, and promised to do all he could to prevail upon other European countries to show greater support for NATO's activities in southern Afghanistan.

Mr Russell is a member of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Defence team. He spent last week in southern Afghanistan through his membership of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.

His Question to the Prime Minister took place at 12.20pm today. Please contact him for further comment if you wish.