Farron blasts MOD over lack of equipment for South Lakes soldiers in Afghanistan

Tim Farron has today blasted the Ministry of Defence over their lack of equipment provision for troops from the Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment who are currently on tour in Afghanistan.

Tim was recently contacted by local parents who were having to purchase even the most basic of equipment for their sons and daughters before they go in to battle. One local family whose son has gone to Afghanistan this month was forced to buy such basics as mosquito nets.

That is also the finding from an influential committee of MPs who believe that troops are under resourced. Since July 2007 only half of the equipment demands had met supply chain targets, the report said.

Over the last few months Tim has been running a 'Fair deal for our troops' campaign calling on the government to improve the pay of our brave troops and improve conditions for their families and facilities for injured servicemen. Over a thousand local residents have signed the petition supporting the campaign.

Tim said, "Basic equipment shortages are putting soldiers lives at risk and placing terrible extra worry onto their families. I think that if the government sends our brave troops in to battle they should equip them to do the job. Currently we are expecting our troops to fight with one hand behind their back if we cannot even provide the most basic of equipment.

I am proud of the Duke of Lancaster's who are serving with distinction in Afghanistan and I am calling on the government to give them the tools to finish the job."