John
06-11-2010, 07:01 AM
David Cameron has told British soldiers he is "incredibly proud" of their work in Afghanistan - and gave them a personal message from England boss Fabio Capello.
Speaking a day after a trip to visit frontline troops was scrapped amid fears the Taliban were planning to down his helicopter, the Prime Minister told them progress was being made in the country.
"Big progress is being made here," he said to soldiers at Camp Bastian in Helmand province.
"You can see it in the training of the Afghan army."
He added: "I can sum up this mission in two words - national security, our national
security back in the UK. We don't have some dreamy ideas about what this mission is about, it is about that pure and simple.
The Prime Minister drew cheers from his audience when he told them their operational allowance was being doubled.
And no doubt morale was raised with a message from Capello.
"It's important you know how much all your effort means to the England players," Mr Capello's message said.
"We want you to know that you are the real heroes."
Mr Cameron spent the night in Camp Bastian on the latest leg of his maiden trip to the country as Prime Minister.
He was forced to change his plans yesterday amid intelligence reports that his helicopter was being targeted by the Taliban.
Mr Cameron arrived in Helmand after pledging a "political surge" in Afghanistan to get British troops home as soon as possible.
He announced additional funding and labelled 2010 "the vital year" to make progress in stabilising the country.
From Afghanistan, Sky News political correspondent Niall Paterson said the Prime Minister was keen to strengthen communication lines.
"I think (Mr Cameron) recognises the fact that for quite some time, the British public have been confused as to exactly what has been happening here on the ground," he said.
Mr Cameron confirmed an extra £67m will be spent on helping troops tackle roadside bombs, while doubling the size of their teams on the ground.
It will also fund new vehicles, including seven Mastiff armoured patrol vehicles.
Additional aid will assist the build-up of the Afghan army, police and civil service, he announced.
England footballer Steven Gerrard revealed British troops in Aghanistan had sent the squad in South Africa a good luck message on DVD ahead of the World Cup.
He said the players had found the footage "very inspiring and very touching".
Speaking a day after a trip to visit frontline troops was scrapped amid fears the Taliban were planning to down his helicopter, the Prime Minister told them progress was being made in the country.
"Big progress is being made here," he said to soldiers at Camp Bastian in Helmand province.
"You can see it in the training of the Afghan army."
He added: "I can sum up this mission in two words - national security, our national
security back in the UK. We don't have some dreamy ideas about what this mission is about, it is about that pure and simple.
The Prime Minister drew cheers from his audience when he told them their operational allowance was being doubled.
And no doubt morale was raised with a message from Capello.
"It's important you know how much all your effort means to the England players," Mr Capello's message said.
"We want you to know that you are the real heroes."
Mr Cameron spent the night in Camp Bastian on the latest leg of his maiden trip to the country as Prime Minister.
He was forced to change his plans yesterday amid intelligence reports that his helicopter was being targeted by the Taliban.
Mr Cameron arrived in Helmand after pledging a "political surge" in Afghanistan to get British troops home as soon as possible.
He announced additional funding and labelled 2010 "the vital year" to make progress in stabilising the country.
From Afghanistan, Sky News political correspondent Niall Paterson said the Prime Minister was keen to strengthen communication lines.
"I think (Mr Cameron) recognises the fact that for quite some time, the British public have been confused as to exactly what has been happening here on the ground," he said.
Mr Cameron confirmed an extra £67m will be spent on helping troops tackle roadside bombs, while doubling the size of their teams on the ground.
It will also fund new vehicles, including seven Mastiff armoured patrol vehicles.
Additional aid will assist the build-up of the Afghan army, police and civil service, he announced.
England footballer Steven Gerrard revealed British troops in Aghanistan had sent the squad in South Africa a good luck message on DVD ahead of the World Cup.
He said the players had found the footage "very inspiring and very touching".