This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6315109.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Troops get new armoured vehicles | Troops get new armoured vehicles |
(about 2 hours later) | |
UK troops in Iraq have begun receiving more heavily-armoured vehicles to increase protection from bombings. | UK troops in Iraq have begun receiving more heavily-armoured vehicles to increase protection from bombings. |
The Land Rovers previously used had been criticised for not adequately shielding patrolling soldiers. | The Land Rovers previously used had been criticised for not adequately shielding patrolling soldiers. |
At an inquest on Tuesday, the mother of one soldier killed by a bomb in Iraq said lives were being put at risk. | |
Defence Secretary Des Browne was shown the new "Bulldog" vehicles during a visit to Basra and praised those who had got them delivered in "quick time". | |
Basra-based Lance Corporal Stuart MacSween told BBC Baghdad correspondent Andrew North the vehicles were safer than the armoured Land Rovers they had been using. | Basra-based Lance Corporal Stuart MacSween told BBC Baghdad correspondent Andrew North the vehicles were safer than the armoured Land Rovers they had been using. |
"As troops patrolling through Basra, they have given us a much more stable platform to fight from," he said. | "As troops patrolling through Basra, they have given us a much more stable platform to fight from," he said. |
'Soft target' | 'Soft target' |
Meanwhile a coroner has ruled that three Staffordshire soldiers who died in a bombing in Iraq were unlawfully killed. | Meanwhile a coroner has ruled that three Staffordshire soldiers who died in a bombing in Iraq were unlawfully killed. |
Pte Leon Spicer, Pte Phillip Hewett, 21, both of Tamworth, Staffs, and 2nd Lt Richard Shearer, 26, of Nuneaton, Warks, died in July 2005. | Pte Leon Spicer, Pte Phillip Hewett, 21, both of Tamworth, Staffs, and 2nd Lt Richard Shearer, 26, of Nuneaton, Warks, died in July 2005. |
They were travelling in a "snatch" Land Rover when they were killed by a bomb near Al Amarah in southern Iraq. | They were travelling in a "snatch" Land Rover when they were killed by a bomb near Al Amarah in southern Iraq. |
Sue Smith, mother of Pte Hewett, said she was considering legal action to stop the use of the Land Rovers. | Sue Smith, mother of Pte Hewett, said she was considering legal action to stop the use of the Land Rovers. |
Following earlier criticism about them being a "soft target", Mr Browne announced in June that their use in Iraq would be reviewed. | Following earlier criticism about them being a "soft target", Mr Browne announced in June that their use in Iraq would be reviewed. |
In July, the Ministry of Defence increased its vehicle orders for Iraq and Afghanistan. | In July, the Ministry of Defence increased its vehicle orders for Iraq and Afghanistan. |
An order of Vector Pinzgauer vehicles for Afghanistan was increased to a total of 166, while an order of 70 upgraded FV430 troop carriers for Iraq rose to 124. | An order of Vector Pinzgauer vehicles for Afghanistan was increased to a total of 166, while an order of 70 upgraded FV430 troop carriers for Iraq rose to 124. |
The new version of the FV430, known as Bulldog, offers a similar level of protection to Warrior tracked vehicles but is smaller and lighter. | The new version of the FV430, known as Bulldog, offers a similar level of protection to Warrior tracked vehicles but is smaller and lighter. |
The department said they would be delivered in batches to Iraq and Afghanistan over the following six months. | The department said they would be delivered in batches to Iraq and Afghanistan over the following six months. |
While in Basra on Tuesday Mr Browne also said the Iraqi Government was making encouraging strides in its efforts to curb violence in the country. | While in Basra on Tuesday Mr Browne also said the Iraqi Government was making encouraging strides in its efforts to curb violence in the country. |
Previous version
1
Next version