AFGHAN INJURY TOLL UNDERLINES NEED FOR URGENT STRATEGY REVIEW.

AFGHAN INJURY TOLL UNDERLINES NEED FOR URGENT STRATEGY REVIEW.

‘CONFLICT LONGER THAN WW2 – TIME HAS COME TO RECONSIDER’

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesman, Angus Robertson MP, has expressed concern and regret over figures showing the extent of injuries sustained by UK troops in Afghanistan. A Freedom of Information request has shown that the number of British troops and civilians injured in the region has now exceeded 3000. Mr Robertson, who visited troops on the frontline in Helmand Province in March this year, said: “These desperately sad figures highlight the huge personal sacrifices our brave servicemen and women are making in Afghanistan. They also underline the pressing need for a re-evaluation of the UK’s strategy in the region. “The SNP Scottish Government is unequivocal in its support for veterans on their return from conflict zones. “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has committed to number of initiatives aimed at aiding servicemen and women, including opening a new employment and training facility in Edinburgh, introducing free bus travel for injured veterans and opening a dedicated veterans’ specialist advice hub to support veterans in the transition from military to civilian life. “Similarly, the doubling of the Scottish Veterans’ Fund by the Scottish Government from £40,000 to £80,000 per year for three years has enabled many new and innovative projects to flourish. “While the SNP Scottish Government is doing everything it can to support the wounded when they come home, difficult questions must be asked about the operation which put in danger in the first place. “The conflict has now lasted eight years – longer than World War Two - and questions are being asked by senior military figures about resources and strategy. “The UK Government must undertake a review immediately to assess the human and material cost of UK involvement in the region, its timescale and its chances for success.”