Brown thanks troops in Afghanistan for courage and professionalism

Publisher: Defence News
Date: 03/08/2010
Website: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness...

PM Gordon Brown talks with members of the 104 Equipment Support Group in front of a Mastiff

Mr Brown's visit to Helmand province comes three weeks after Operation MOSHTARAK was launched which involved thousands of British troops along with their Afghan and ISAF partners clearing parts of central Helmand of Taliban control.

Addressing British troops in Camp Bastion, Mr Brown said:

"Three weeks ago you started an operation which involved thousands of people, helicopters by night, and an attempt to reclaim ground that we needed in this area for the sake of the population.

"What has happened in these three weeks is one of the great success stories of the campaign.

"I know that this is the start of further operations that are necessary to give Afghan people more confidence that they can have control of their own affairs; to build up the Afghan Police, to build up the Afghan Army, and to build up confidence in the local government being run by Afghan people.

"But you are here at a historic moment as our policy of giving the Afghans more control over the whole of this country.

"All of you will know people individually and families that have suffered as a result of casualties.

"I also want to remember those who have been injured, and know that at Headley Court and in Selly Oak, the treatment that they are getting is second-to-none.

"But I also want to thank each of you as individuals for the courage, the bravery, the professionalism, because upon it everything else depends; our ability to win operations, our ability to achieve things, and you are all known for the courage you are showing.

"And I just want to say, the British people are incredibly proud of your professionalism, your patriotism and your courage; and I want to celebrate that with you today, from the British people to you, our thanks for what you do, our support for everything that you do."