British Hostage Peter Moore Freed In Iraq

A British hostage has been freed after being held in Iraq for more than two-and-a-half years.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he had just had a "very moving" conversation with Peter Moore, who is now at the British Embassy in Baghdad.

The 36-year-old is in "good health", he said, but is undergoing medical checks.

He said the former hostage was "to put it mildly absolutely delighted" at his release and would be reunited with his family "as soon as possible".

The computer expert was seized along with his four British bodyguards at the finance ministry in Baghdad on May 29, 2007.

Fears for his safety grew after the bodies of three of the security guards were handed over to the UK authorities.

Mr Moore's father Graeme, 60, from Wigston, Leicestershire, said he was "over the moon" at the news.

He said: "We are so relieved and we just want to get him home, back now to his family and friends.

"I'm breaking down, I'm just so overjoyed for the lad. It's been such a long haul."

Gordon Brown said: "I pay tribute to all those who helped in the protracted effort to secure the release.

"At this moment of celebration, we also remember the families of British hostages who have been killed in Iraq and elsewhere."


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British Soldier Named

Tributes have been paid to a soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Monday.
Rifleman Aidan Howell, who was born in Sidcup, Kent, was nicknamed "Sunshine Boy", his family said in a statement.

"We cannot begin to express the total and utter devastation we feel at the loss of our beautiful son Aidan," they said.

"He may be recognised as a hero now, but to his family and everyone who was lucky enough to know him, he was already a hero.

"Aidan was a big Leeds United fan and even met the players, his heroes, before he left for Afghanistan."

The 19-year-old, from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed by an improvised explosive device while patrolling in the Kajaki area of Helmand province.

His death takes the number of British service personnel killed in the conflict to 244, including 107 this year alone.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, commanding officer of 3 Rifles Battle Group, said: "His loss is a tragedy and he goes to join a line of gallant Riflemen who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country and their mates out here in Afghanistan.

"Those who remain here will take strength from his courage and dedication and will honour his memory always."


HERO






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British troops in Afghanistan have held their own Christmas celebrations as senior officers served up meals.

Deputy commander of Nato forces Lt Gen Nick Parker, ambassador Mark Sedwill and UK commander in Helmand Brig James Cowan toured bases in the country.

Turkey, ham, mince pies, Christmas pudding and presents were flown in to British forces in southern Afghanistan.

Troops have been given an extra hour of free phone calls home on top of their normal 30 minutes' weekly allowance.

'Amazing job'

However, Christmas Day saw many troops in Afghanistan carrying out their usual front-line patrols.

General Parker, Mr Sedwill and Brigadier Cowan began their tour by serving breakfast to soldiers from 1 Royal Anglian Regiment in Silab in Nad-e-Ali district.

They visited the Coldstream guards in Babaji, the Grenadier Guards in Shahzad, and the headquarters of 3 Rifles in Sangin where Padre Mark Christian held a short service.

They then saw A Company, 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh, before Gen Parker went to the main British base at Camp Bastion.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield stressed the importance of visits by senior figures.

He said: "The message from Gen Parker to soldiers in places like Sangin and Nad-e-Ali was that even though they are sat up in Kabul looking at the whole of the country, these places are squarely in the centre of their minds because there is so much insurgent activity going on there and the fighting is so intense.

"The soldiers are doing an amazing job."

'Second family'

The BBC's Peter Greste, in Afghanistan, said the food was expected to be "a very welcome and festive departure from the usual rations".

Explaining the festive atmosphere, he said: "Everyone would much rather be at home, but they are with the people that are in a lot of respects essentially a second family.

"If they can't be with their blood relatives, they are with people who matter to them."

Some 120 bags of Christmas hampers, books and magazines have also been flown in.

Rifleman Dan Parrack, of 3 Rifles, told our correspondent his thoughts turned to loved ones over Christmas and he was looking forward to returning home.

The BBC put the soldier in touch with his mother Lisa Mitton, in High Wycombe, who said the chance to speak to her son and see him was "probably the best Christmas present" she could have asked for.

Difficult time

Servicemen and women will receive an additional 30 minutes free talk time from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and another 30 minutes from a communications company, giving them an extra hour to chat to family and friends between 22 December to 2 January.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "Free telephone minutes mean our forces can talk to their loved ones back home when they are in Afghanistan.

"I am delighted that we are able to boost the allowance even further over the Christmas and new year period."

Flight Lieutenant Andy Wilson, who manages the MoD's welfare communications, said: "Christmas can be a difficult time for the troops and their families and we hope that this goes some way in making this separation a little easier.

"This extra hour will allow families to share their news over the festive period, for mothers and fathers to have that extra bit of time to chat with their children and for the troops to feel as much a part of the celebrations as possible.

"Communication is vital to the morale of our personnel and the well-being of their loved ones at home, especially around this time of year."


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Soldier Dies In Helmand Bomb Blast

A soldier from the Parachute Regiment has been killed by a suspected improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan.

He died while on foot patrol near Sangin in Helmand Province. His family have been informed.

He is the third British soldier to be killed in Afghanistan in the last week.

The other two servicemen died in separate suspected friendly fire incidents.

Lance Corporal Michael David Pritchard, 22, of the 4th Regiment Royal Military Police, was killed in Sangin on Sunday.

On Tuesday a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Rifles died from wounds sustained in a firefight near Sangin.

The Royal Military Police are investigating both deaths. No more information will be released until inquests have been carried out.

Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, said friendly fire incidents took place "very frequently indeed" in the chaos of war.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Troops are fighting in places like Sangin and other towns and villages where there are very tightly-packed compounds, rat-run alleyways, and high mud walls.

"The enemy appears very, very briefly at short range - it's kill or be killed.

"You open fire rapidly and sometimes, tragically, you open fire on your own people."

A total of 243 British troops have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001, 106 this year alone.







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Second 'Friendly Fire' Death in Afghanistan

A UK soldier has died following the second suspected "friendly fire" incident in two days in Afghanistan, as the MoD named the first serviceman killed.

The soldier's family have been informed. He was serving with 3rd Battalion The Rifles.

He died of his wounds following an incident in the Sangin area of Helmand on Monday.

His death follows that of Lance Corporal Michael David Pritchard of the 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police, who died following another suspected friendly fire incident the day before.

The 22-year-old, who was known as "Pritch", was described by his family as a "lover of life" who would always be in their hearts.

The Ministry of Defence said the possibility that he was killed by friendly fire was being investigated in Afghanistan but that no firm conclusion would be reached until the coroner's inquest.

he British death toll since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001 now stands at 241, including 104 deaths this year.

In a statement his family said: "With great sadness we say goodbye to our beloved son, a lover of life who has lived life to the full and has brought great joy to all those who are lucky enough to know him.

"A light that shines brightly, our precious son, brother, grandson, boyfriend and special friend to all, we are very proud of you in all that you have done and achieved and you will always be in our hearts now and evermore.

"God bless our darling boy from all of your family and friends."

L/Cpl Pritchard was born in Maidstone, Kent on January 11, 1987, but lived in Eastbourne, East Sussex, from the age of one and went to school there.

After leaving school and college, he enlisted into the Adjutant General's Corps (Royal Military Police) in July 2007 before being posted to 160 Provost Company, 4th Regiment Royal Military Police, in Aldershot as a General Police Duties Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

He deployed to Kenya as part of the training for Operation Herrick 11.

He arrived in Afghanistan in October attached to 4th Battalion The Rifles.

Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis, Commanding Officer, 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police said: "Lance Corporal Pritchard had only been in the Royal Military Police since July 2007 but he very quickly made a huge impact on all of us.

"It is tragic that we have been robbed of such a promising Junior Non-Commissioned Officer and one who was everything you would want in a Military Policeman.

"He was a professional and robust soldier and one who was both physically and morally courageous. He was absolutely committed to providing policing advice where it mattered most, alongside his Infantry colleagues on patrol and as part of the team."

RIP HEROES











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The soldier killed in Afghanistan on Saturday has been named as Corporal Simon Hornby of the 2nd Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

The 29-year-old died in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand province, the Ministry of Defence announced.

The Liverpudlian's wife Holly Hornby described the soldier as her "hero".

"I am devastated by the loss of Simon," she said.

"He was proud to be a soldier and died doing the job he loved."

Cpl Hornby's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Boyd said: "The Lions of England have lost one of their most courageous.

"(Cpl Hornby) was a professional and a highly respected leader of my soldiers.

"Always happy, always chirpy, he - as did we - lived for his sense of fun, humour and his infectious zest for life."

Lt Col Boyd praised Cpl Hornby's work in Afghanistan, where he had "won over the full confidence of Officer Commanding Arnhem Company, as well as his soldiers".

He added the soldier had "stepped up to effectively act as a Platoon Sergeant, taking on the administrative challenge brilliantly, yet with the same sense of humour that we all knew and loved".

"Our thoughts and prayers, particularly at this difficult time of year, lie with his wife Holly," Lt Col Boyd said.

Cpl Hornby had previously served in Iraq, where he was awarded a commendation for discovering an improvised explosive device and for spoiling an insurgent ambush.

A eulogy from the Ministry of Defence praised the soldier - known almost universally as 'Si' - as a "popular, friendly, sociable and selfless man".

"He loved life and was a passionate Liverpool FC fan," it read.

His death brings the total of British service personnel who have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001 to 240, including 103 deaths this year.


RIP HERO




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A British soldier from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The soldier died from wounds which were sustained in a blast while on foot patrol in the Nad-e-Ali area of central Helmand on Saturday.

Next of kin have been informed of the soldier's death.

A total of 240 UK service personnel have died in Afghanistan since 2001, including 103 this year.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is my sad duty to confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment was killed this morning.

"One of our fellow soldiers taken from us in the course of his duty, who will not be forgotten."

On Tuesday, two UK soldiers were killed in Afghanistan as they stopped suicide bombers attacking a packed marketplace, their commanding officer said.

L/Cpl David Kirkness, 24, of West Yorkshire, and Rifleman James Brown, 18, from Kent, both of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, were killed by an explosion at a vehicle checkpoint near Sangin in Helmand.




















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The two soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday gave their lives to stop Taliban suicide bombers reaching their target, their commanding officer has revealed.

Lance Corporal David Kirkness, 24, and Rifleman James Brown, 18, both of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, were killed while manning a vehicle checkpoint near Sangin in Helmand province.

Two Afghan soldiers were also killed in the suicide attack.

L/Cpl Kirkness, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and Rfn Brown, from Farnborough, Hampshire, were taking part in a joint security operation with Afghan forces on a route into central Sangin.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson said their comrades took comfort and pride from the fact that they averted a "much larger tragedy".

"Their sacrifice prevented two suicide bombers from reaching their intended target, the bustling and ever more prosperous Sangin bazaar, packed with local Afghans going about their daily business," he said.

L/Cpl Kirkness, who joined 3 Rifles in March 2004, had completed a demanding sniper course and studied the local language of Pashtu before deploying to Afghanistan in October. He leaves a three-year-old daughter, Brooke.

His colleagues paid tribute to a professional and level-headed soldier with a "massive heart which was all too often worn on his sleeve".

Lt Col Kitson said: "We of the Rifles have lost a brother. He died doing a job for which he was the keenest of volunteers, a job he loved and for which he was made.

"His memory, commitment and selflessness will be for ever revered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We all have much of which we can be truly proud."

His parents said in a statement: "If you knew David, you had to love him - it was impossible not to. And in David's own words, 'If you didn't know me, hard luck'. He will always be in our hearts."

Rfn Brown only joined the Army this year, and had arrived with B Company of 3 Rifles less than a fortnight ago.

Lt Col Kitson said: "He had been with the battalion for a desperately short time but was showing the promising signs of a soldier with a bright future.

"He had already made a lasting impression on his fellow riflemen with his immense courage, infectious confidence and talent for making people laugh."

"Our thoughts are with his family, for whom this will have been the bitterest of blows."

Paying tribute in a statement, his family said: "You were a true hero and will be dearly missed. We all love you so much.

"You died a hero living your dream and you will always be in our thoughts. Your actions will always speak louder than words ever could."

A total of 239 British service personnel have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001, including 102 deaths this year.


RIP HEROES

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Welcome home The Black Watch, 3 SCOTS

With over 210 soldiers killed in Afghanistan and MoD figures showing that in the month of July 2009 alone there were 94 injuries associated with the war in Afghanistan, the time is right for a charity dedicated to the welfare of those directly involved in the conflict.

The mother of a soldier who died in an explosion in Afghanistan in July had the idea to set up a charity to provide support for those directly involved in the conflict.

Afghan Heroes has been launched by a group of mothers with the aim of helping our service personnel directly on the front line; the families of those who have fallen and our returning service personnel who have witnessed these horrific losses of their fellow comrades.

Afghan Heroes is independent of other charities. It deals specifically with members of the British forces and their families that have been affected by the military operations in Afghanistan now and into the future. The intention is to operate until a minimum of five-years from the cessation of our military presence in Afghanistan.

Afghan Heroes will deliver support through:

1. The “thank a soldier” initiative.
2. The provision of home comforts to those serving in Afghanistan.
3. Motivational and morale boosting support directly to our forces on the front line via your letters and news letters.
4. A support network for the families of the fallen, creating an open environment where families can give support to each other.
5. Supporting the many returning soldiers who have witnessed these horrific atrocities in the course of performing their duties.

Check out there website www.afghanheroes.org.uk




Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry in October 2007 out of a desire to help the wounded Servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

The message of the charity is simple: We are strictly non political and non critical; we simply want to help. We believe that anyone who volunteers to serve in time of war, knowing that they may risk all, is a hero. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and some of them are living with the consequences of their service for life. We may not be able to prevent our soldiers from being wounded, but together we can help them get better.


There website is www.helpforheroes.org.uk

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Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Named

The Soldier killed yesterday in Afghanistan was today Named as Lance Corporal Adam Paul Dran. He was 23, from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and served in the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.

Lance Corporal Drane died whilst carrying out security duties at Check Point Paraang in southern Nad e-Ali, Helmand province.

He deployed to Afghanistan as a Section Second-in-Command within C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, attached to the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards Battle Group.

Lance Corporal Drane was employed within 6 Platoon, C (Essex) Company. He was responsible for commanding a four-man 'fire team' and as such was charged with engaging with and reassuring the local population as well as defeating the insurgents in one of Helmand province's most challenging areas. He had been conducting this task for nearly two months.

His colleagues said the engaged soldier had been "an extremely kind individual who had a wonderful sense of humour".

Maj Chris Barry, of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said "his quiet and intelligent personality made him an effective and humble leader".

"His love of music, warm sense of humour and fun were appreciated by everybody and his death is felt by all," he added.

His parents, Desmond and Jackie Drane, said there were "no words" to describe their loss.

The keen boxer and music fan had been in Afghanistan for about two months, where he came under attack almost every day.

L/Cpl Drane was shot while carrying out security duties at a checkpoint in the Nad-e Ali area on Monday afternoon.

The death brought the total number of British service personnel who have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001 to 237.

There were 39 deaths in 2006, 42 in 2007 and 51 in 2008.

This year has been the bloodiest for British forces since the Falklands War in 1982.

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Another Sad Day As 100th British Soldier Killed


A sad milestone has been passed today as the 100th British soldier was killed today in Afghanistan. The Soldier who has not been named yet

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lt Col David Wakefield, said: "It is with great sadness I must confirm that a soldier from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment was shot and killed in Helmand province this afternoon.

"He was one of us, one of our fellow soldiers, and we will remember him."

The soldier who was from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment died after a gunshot wound in an incident in central Helmand Province in the afternoon. Next of kin have been told.

Head of the British army, Gen Sir David Richards, said the milestone death had hardened "our determination to succeed".

"There are real grounds for optimism. We have made substantial progress in Helmand and throughout Afghanistan," he said.

"Political resolve is firm; the necessary resources and manpower will be flowing into Afghanistan to allow us to do the job.

A total of 11 servicemen from the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment have died in Afghanistan since the start of operations.

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Wow what a few days its been. Ive been working hard putting together our new website which I hope to finish in the next few days. So far its looking very good.

So my last entry there's been a surge of troops entering Afghanistan, Us sending in 30,000 troops and another 8,000 from other Nato nations. France and Germany are not expected to reach a decision til end of January.

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A soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan has been named as Acting Sgt John Amer.

A/Sgt Amer, 30, of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, died from his wounds after an explosion in the Babaji area, in central Helmand Province on Monday.

The Sunderland man's widow Sue said: "I am devastated by the loss of my loving husband John. I have lost my true love, my heart has been broken."

His death brought the number of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan to 236.

A/Sgt Amer was also the 99th British casualty of 2009.

'Overwhelming pain'

Mrs Amer said: "The whole world should know that John was the best father that our daughter could have wished for.

"This cruel world has taken a hero who touched the hearts of everyone he met, a very special man who brought joy and laughter.

"The Army was John's world, he was mine. He was my best friend, the pain of losing him is overwhelming."

A/Sgt Amer was fatally wounded as he went to help a colleague who had been wounded in another explosion moments earlier.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Toby Gray, described A/Sgt Amer as a man with an "enormous heart" who was "cherished by his friends and respected by his seniors".

Lt Col Gray said: "He was like the benevolent uncle, respected and loved by them all. His soldiers were happy and proud to serve with a man with integrity, honour and one of the keenest senses of humour in the Battalion.

"We have lost one of the very finest soldiers in the regiment. He died saving a comrade and doing the job he both loved and excelled at. To the last, he was thinking of others."

Sgt Mathew Nichol said he considered himself "one of the luckiest men alive" to have worked alongside A/Sgt Amer for the past 13 years.

'Best friend for life'

He said: "From the first moment we met all those years ago on the way to Germany to join the Battalion, I knew I had a best friend for life. John really was one of a kind and left a lasting impression on anyone that knew him.

"The word 'legend' is used far too often but for my friend John it describes him perfectly. A completely selfless man who would do anything for his blokes and would never put himself before them, he was loved by all."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, said: "I was extremely saddened to learn of the death of Sgt John Amer, a soldier described by all those who knew him as an outstanding senior non-commissioned officer.

"He was respected equally by his men and his seniors, all of whom will be feeling his loss greatly.

"My deepest sympathies are, of course, with Sgt Amer's family, friends and colleagues at this most painful time for them."

Rest in Peace to another HERO

Article from bbc news website

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British soldier killed in explosion in Afghanistan

A British soldier has died after being injured in an explosion in Afghanistan, said the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The soldier from 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, died after the blast in the Babaji area of Helmand Province.

He died "doing his duty" said Task Force Helmand spokesman Lt Col David Wakefield. Next of kin have been told.

His death - the 99th UK fatality this year - brings the number of British military personnel killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 236.

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January Conference To Decide Afghanistan Exit

Gordon Brown will host an international conference on January 28, 2010 to decide a timetable for the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. Afghan President Hamid Karzai will be asked to commit to boosting his country's army, police and local governance, the Prime Minister announced at the Commonwealth summit in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr Karzai will be required to:

:: Provide 50,000 troops for training over the next year;

:: Improve the capacity of the police force;

Recruit governors at regional and district level who are free from corruption and can deliver services to the Afghan people.

Mr Brown said the milestones would create the conditions for control of Afghanistan to be handed over, district by district, to homegrown authorities and for UK troops to come home.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will attend the London conference, along with Mr Karzai and representatives of many of the 43 nations who are involved in the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Mr Brown said he was also hopeful that an additional 5,000 troops for Afghanistan would be offered by other Nato countries by the time of the London conference, though he declined to say which states might put forward forces.

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Brown Urges Timetable For Afghan Reforms

Gordon Brown has told the President of Afghanistan that he risks losing international support if he fails to implement crucial reforms.


The Prime Minister says he wants an extra 5,000 Afghan forces trained in Helmand province by next year, and he wants details on reform of the police and government.

Mr Brown told Sky's political editor Adam Boulton that more progress must be made in Pakistan to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda, adding that Britain is prepared to help re-build its education system.

Britain will host an international conference on January 28 to decide a timetable for the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan.

Mr Brown said: "I will want to know that by the time we get to January 28 we have a credible plan in place from President Karzai so that we can train Afghan troops.

"Within three months of that I feel we should also have a credible plan about how he's going to reform the police service in Afghanistan... and within six months he has got to have appointed district and provincial governors."

Mr Brown said the milestones would create the conditions for control of the country to be handed over, district by district, to home-grown authorities and for UK troops to come home.

He also told Sky News that people in Pakistan know where Osama Bin Laden is and the country's government must take action against al Qaeda within its borders.

:: Nine thousand US Marines will be deployed to Afghanistan within days of Barack Obama's announcement of his new war strategy, it is being reported.

The Washington Post claims the extra troops will double the size of the US force in the southern province of Helmand, where large numbers of British forces are based.

President Barack Obama will outline his latest strategy on Afghanistan on Tuesday.

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Targets Afghan President Karzai must meet are set by PM

Gordon Brown has said Afghanistan's president will be set targets by the international community for training Afghan forces and tackling corruption.

Mr Brown said Hamid Karzai would be expected to give commitments at a conference in London on 28 January.

The prime minister confirmed the international conference plans at the Commonwealth summit in Trinidad.

Mr Karzai will face targets of ensuring 50,000 troops for training and barring corrupt provincial governors, he said.

Mr Brown made the announcement alongside United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who will be at the conference.

The pair have been discussing strategy for Afghanistan at the summit.

'Political push'

They will be joined in London by Mr Karzai, who was recently installed for a second term as president, and representatives of the 43 nations making up Nato's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Mr Brown also made it clear that international troop levels would rise in the short term.

US President Barack Obama is expected to make an announcement on the subject next week.

The prime minister said: "What we need is a political push to match the military push we're now agreeing to.

"And that means that President Karzai has got to accept that there will be milestones by which he's going to be judged and he's got to accept that there will be benchmarks which the international community will set."

He said the targets would enable control to be handed over to Afghan authorities and pave the way for British troops to return home.

BBC diplomatic correspondent James Robbins says Mr Brown has never been blunter in dictating terms to Mr Karzai.

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The Black Watch



Ive added links to some great sites regarding the Black Watch Battalion. Doing a great job in Afghanistan.

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Iraq's WMDs Did Not Concern Officials In 2001


Iraq was "not top of the list" of countries worrying British officials concerned with halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction in 2001.

On the second day of the Iraq inquiry public hearings, Foreign Office officials said they believed Saddam Hussein's nuclear programme had been dismantled and had no evidence he was trying to supply WMDs to terrorists.

Sir William Ehrman, who was director of international security at the Foreign Office, said ministers had been warned repeatedly that intelligence on Iraq's chemical and biological programmes was "patchy".

Despite the warnings, Tony Blair told the Commons Saddam Hussein did have chemical and biological weapons when he made the case for war on the eve of the invasion in March 2003.

Sir William listed a series of briefings to ministers which included major caveats about the strength of the intelligence.

Just days before the invasion the Government had even received intelligence that Saddam may be unable to use his chemical weapons.

"We did, I think on March 10, get a report that chemical weapons might have remained disassembled and Saddam hadn't yet ordered their assembly," he said.

"There was also a suggestion that Iraq might lack warheads capable of effective dispersal of agents."

However Sir William said that it had not made any difference to the case for war over Saddam's refusal to give up his WMD and co-operate with United Nations inspectors.

Tim Dowse, who was head of counter-proliferation at the Foreign Office, said that when he took up the post in 2001 Iraq was not seen as the main concern.

"It wasn't top of the list," he said. "I would say we put Libya and Iran ahead of Iraq."

He said that despite concerns in the United States, there was no evidence that Saddam was prepared to supply chemical or biological weapons to terrorists.

"There had been nothing that looked like a relationship between the Iraqis and al Qaida," he said.

"In fact, after 9/11 we concluded that Iraq actually stepped further back. They did not want to be associated with al Qaeda. They weren't natural allies."

Mr Dowse said that he had originally attached little importance to intelligence claiming the Iraq had weapons it could deploy within 45 minutes, which subsequently featured heavily the Government's notorious Iraq dossier.

"Speaking personally, when I saw the 45 minutes report, I did not give it particular significance because it didn't seem out of line with what we generally assessed to be Iraq's intentions and capabilities with regard to chemical weapons," he said.

Article from www.skynews.com

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Iraq inquiry told of 'clear' threat from Saddam Hussein


The UK government "distanced itself" from talk of removing Saddam Hussein in early 2001 despite concerns about his threat, the Iraq inquiry has been told.

Sir Peter Ricketts, a top intelligence official at the time, said it was assumed it was not "our policy" despite growing talk in the US about the move.

On the first day of public hearings, four senior diplomats and advisers gave evidence on the war's origins.

The inquiry chairman has said he hopes to conclude his report in late 2010.

Relatives of some of the 179 UK service personnel killed in Iraq gathered outside the venue in central London where the hearings are being held, as did a number of anti-war protesters.

The long-awaited investigation into the UK's involvement in the run-up to the Iraq invasion, the war itself and its aftermath, is expected to last for more than a year.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair will be among the future witnesses.

Tuesday's session looked at UK foreign policy towards Iraq in the lead-up to the war, which began in 2003.

Asked about the threat posed by Iraq in early 2001, Sir Peter Ricketts, who was the then chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee - which oversees MI5, MI6 and GCHQ - said it was palpable.

Sir Peter, now Head of the Diplomatic Service, said there was a "clear impression" that Saddam had a "continuing intention" to acquire weapons of mass destruction, having used them in the past.

Impact of 9/11

However, Sir Peter said there was no-one in the UK government in 2001 "promoting or supporting" regime change, as it was assumed "it was not our policy that we were seeking the removal of Saddam Hussein".

While there were "voices" in Washington calling for Saddam to be removed even before the Bush administration came to power in early 2001, this did not result in a change to the longstanding policy of trying to contain Iraq through sanctions, he said.

Sir William Patey, then head of the Middle East Department at the Foreign Office, said the UK had been aware "of the drumbeats from Washington" when it came to regime change but wanted to "stay away from that end of the spectrum".

Sir William - now ambassador to Saudi Arabia - acknowledged that international support for the sanctions policy in place against Iraq since 1991 - which underpinned the policy of containment - was steadily breaking down at the time.

However, asked whether this policy - which critics said was ineffective and which was actually hurting the Iraqi people - could have "kept Saddam caged" indefinitely, he replied "possibly".

Full report can be found on the BBC's website

www.britainsheros.co.uk

Our Website is back up!!

Well ive finished tinkering with the design of the site for now. Its not as good as i would like it to be but I can continue to change and update as we go.

Our Forums are now up and running. I may still decide to change the theme and style of the boards depending on feedback.


So on the still to do list-

More Content - Yes nowhere near complete there are many more sections I would like to add.

Change in Design - Still not happy with the style and design of the website. Looks to basic and bland. But we will in improve.

If you have any idea's or suggestions for the website or want to help any way please contact us.

Your support is appreciated

www.britainsheros.co.uk

Good evening everyone its been a busy weekend. Website will now be up tomorrow now as i got slightly delayed. Ive been trying to add forums to the site with difficulty. However ive had success today and back on track.

I hope you all had a good weekend. Poor people of Cumbria have faced the brunt of mother nature"s force once again this weekend as they've been hit with gail force winds and torrntial flooding. Forcing over 500 residents out of there homes. Pc Barker was killed when a bridge collapsed in what the met office described as "once in a thousand year event"

Spare a thought for Pc Barker's family, a traffic officer with 25 years' service who died when the Northside Bridge in Workington collapsed at 4.40am on Friday as he and a colleague saved the lives of motorists by stopping them from crossing it.

www.britainsheros.co.uk

Just a quick update as to whats happening with the site so far...

-Design and look of the site has changed.
-Video section. Just begun adding a video section

There are a few more things to be added to the site which I hope to get back up in the next day or so.

In the mean time please spare a thought for the families of RifleAndrew Fentiman and Corporal Loren Owen Christopher Marlton-Thomas as there bodies was flown back from Afghanistan today.

Its so pleasing to see the amount of people that go to Wootton Bassett to pay tribute to those that have been tragically killed as they are brought home.

God Bless you!!

www.britainsheros.co.uk



Britainsheros.co.uk is currently down while we update the design and layout. We aim to get the site back up within 48-72 hours.We hope you will visit us when the revamped site is back online.

watch this space.....

www.britainsheros.co.uk



Tributes have been paid to the latest British soldier killed in Afghanistan. Sergeant Robert David Loughran-Dickson, of 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police, was killed in the Babaji area of Helmand Province on Wednesday morning.

His family said: "He gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved and was devoted to."

The father of one was a keen jogger, who took part in marathon races, as well as hill walking and swimming.

Since joining the Royal Military Police in 2001, the 33-year-old - originally from Deal, Kent - had served in Kosovo, Iraq and Northern Ireland.

His relatives added: "Robert is a true hero in many ways, of whom the whole family are extremely proud.

"A beloved father, son, brother and uncle. You lit up our lives and that light will stay bright forever. You will be greatly missed but always loved by all."

Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis, commanding officer of his regiment, led tributes from comrades.

She said: "Sergeant Loughran-Dickson was an exceptional soldier and was completely committed to the Royal Military Police.

"He will be sorely missed by the regiment and by the military community in Aldershot.

"Prior to his deployment to Afghanistan, Sgt Loughran-Dickson was the local intelligence officer and a community policeman.

"He excelled in this role, where his calm personable nature, dedication and commitment plus his consistent enthusiasm for the job, made him stand out."

Captain Karen Tait, the operations officer with 160 Provost Company, said: "I was proud and honoured to serve with him but above all being able to call him my friend.

"His smile I will miss the most.

Our thoughts and Prayers go out for SgtLoughran-Dickson's family and friends.

RIP TO A HERO

www.britainsheros.co.uk

Please remember that the website is nowhere near complete and I am no expert in web design or html so please bear with me. Im currently working on adding forums to the website in the hope of building a small community.

Still to be added to the website...

Tribute Section
You will be able to submit your own tributes (free of charge of course) to any fallen soldiers. We guarantee to make sure every tribute received is published within 48 hours. You can post pictures and videos with your tributes if you so wish.

To send in your tribute to someone you know please visit submit a tribute


A media Section
There are plans to add a video section very soon which will show various combat footage and relevant documentaries. Users will be able upload there own videos.

Plus many more features to be announced soon

I very much welcome any idea's or suggestions for the website or even just your opinion. You can email me at Ed@britainsheros.co.uk

Go Back To My Site

Hello everyone and welcome to Britainsheros.co.uk first ever blog. You may be wondering who we are so let me explain...

is a website I created which is dedicated to the British Armed Forces. Since 2001 Great Britain has been involved in two major conflicts, Afghanistan and Iraq. It is estimated that there are over 411 troops that have been killed in both wars to date and regardless of whether we support our motives for going to war or not our Soldiers deserve our respect. These brave men and women risk there lives on a daily basis in sometimes horrific conditions.


I dont have a lot of web design or html experiance however I decided to make this website after reading and viewing a lot of negative stuff regarding our countries involvement in both the Iraq and Afghanistan War. I read in utter disgust of soldiers being spat at while home on leave and cannot believe that as a nation we hardly seem to notice or care what these troops go through. Whether it be lack of support from the public or lack of equipment our Soldiers have to face while in combat it is unacceptable and wanted to do something however small in tribute.

The website is nowhere near complete and soon to be added will a memorial sections where people can post tributes to family, friends or any loved ones that have died in service(totally free of charge).
.