An all party group of MP’s, including local Cheadle MP Mark Hunter, have just returned from a visit to British troops currently serving in Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

The delegation, who met with International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) representatives, were briefed by senior officers and had the opportunity to discuss the situation on the ground with servicemen and women. The group of MP’s had flown from RAF Brize Norton to Camp Bastion and were briefed on arrival by the Command Joint Force Support Unit. The MPs heard encouraging progress had been made by the mission in recent months.

Included in the MP’s busy programme were a demonstration by the Military Working Dogs Support Unit used to counter the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and the Ordinance Disposal & Search Task Force.

MP’s also met with commanders of the Afghan National Army and with Afghan villagers. A further session on Equipment Capability, including vehicles and weapons available to British troops gave MPs the chance to learn, first hand, the challenges faced by our servicemen and women. A visit to the Logistical Support Unit and tour of the workshop concluded the visit, followed by a final opportunity for discussions with serving troops.

Mark Hunter also met with Cheadle Constituency resident, Rev Mike Newman of St Cuthbert’s Church, Cheadle, currently on a tour of duty as a chaplain with the Territorial Army.

Commenting on his return to the UK, Mark said:

“As ever, you could not fail to be impressed by the courage and bravery of our servicemen and women. They are doing a superb job in difficult circumstances and I pay tribute to their professionalism, dedication and commitment.

“It is clear that progress is being made on the ground and our troops continue to perform a key role as part of the ISAF mission.

“Reducing the capability of the insurgents, supporting the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces, and facilitating improvements to civil society remain extremely important objectives and we can all be proud of the contribution our servicemen and women are making to our national security.”

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