GOVERNMENT'S SPIN OPERATION AN INSULT TO WELSH SOLDIERS - WILLIAMS

9.54.58am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Jul 2009

Speaking after Lord Malloch Brown "clarified" his comments on the lack of helicopters in Afghanistan, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP has blasted the Government for spinning the needs of the armed forces.

In an interview in the Telegraph, Lord Malloch Brown said that "We definitely don't have enough helicopters. When you have these modern operations and insurgent strikes what you need, above all else, is mobility.", but later released a statement stating "On the issue of helicopters in Afghanistan, I was making the point - as the prime minister and commanders on the ground have also done - that while there are without doubt sufficient resources in place for current operations, we should always do what we can to make more available on the frontline."

Commenting, Roger Williams said:

"Lord Malloch Brown couldn't have been clearer in saying we don't have enough helicopters, but the Government seems to have an aversion to admitting the truth over their treatment of Welsh soldiers.

"It's not as if he was saying anything controversial. The head of the Army and the Defence Select Committee have both stressed the need for more helicopters.

"Pretending that everything's fine and our troops have everything they need when it's obvious that isn't the case only serves to make the Prime Minister look even more detached from reality.

"We all know that ministers are ruthlessly kept in line by the New Labour spin machine, but to do so over a matter of life and death for our soldiers is shameful."