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25/09/2009
General Quits Over Afghanistan
Beleaguered PM Gordon Brown is again facing criticism after news that a top army general has resigned.
Major Gen Andrew Mackay, who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan, was unhappy about strategy.
McKay was General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.
He was also the 'theatre' commanding officer when Prince Harry spent 10 weeks from December 2007 in Afghanistan under his command.
While the Ministry of Defence has insisted that the general's departure was a "personal matter", critics of the PM will be quick to blame Gordon Brown and his Defence Secretary for the resignation.
Major Nick Haston, who was the general's Deputy Chief of Staff, also resigned from the Army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.
Major Gen Mackay's resignation comes as the Daily Telegraph reported that a mole who leaked details of MPs' expenses said he was partly motivated by anger at inadequate equipment for UK troops.
Already, the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson said Mackay's had battled throughout his career to "improve the lot of the ordinary soldier".
"His departure underlines the serious dissatisfaction that exists within the military over the UK government's strategy in Afghanistan, and the support provided for our forces," he said.
See: MP's Expenses Back In Headlines
(BMcC/GK)
Major Gen Andrew Mackay, who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan, was unhappy about strategy.
McKay was General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.
He was also the 'theatre' commanding officer when Prince Harry spent 10 weeks from December 2007 in Afghanistan under his command.
While the Ministry of Defence has insisted that the general's departure was a "personal matter", critics of the PM will be quick to blame Gordon Brown and his Defence Secretary for the resignation.
Major Nick Haston, who was the general's Deputy Chief of Staff, also resigned from the Army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.
Major Gen Mackay's resignation comes as the Daily Telegraph reported that a mole who leaked details of MPs' expenses said he was partly motivated by anger at inadequate equipment for UK troops.
Already, the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson said Mackay's had battled throughout his career to "improve the lot of the ordinary soldier".
"His departure underlines the serious dissatisfaction that exists within the military over the UK government's strategy in Afghanistan, and the support provided for our forces," he said.
See: MP's Expenses Back In Headlines
(BMcC/GK)
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07 May 2015
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23 January 2015
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11 March 2014
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
