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General quits 'over Afghanistan' General quits 'over Afghanistan'
(40 minutes later)
An Army general who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan has resigned.An Army general who is reported to have criticised aspects of the war in Afghanistan has resigned.
Reports said Maj Gen Andrew Mackay, General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England, was unhappy about strategy.Reports said Maj Gen Andrew Mackay, General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England, was unhappy about strategy.
Prince Harry spent 10 weeks from December 2007 in Afghanistan under the command of Maj Gen Mackay.Prince Harry spent 10 weeks from December 2007 in Afghanistan under the command of Maj Gen Mackay.
But the Ministry of Defence has insisted that the general's departure was a "personal matter".But the Ministry of Defence has insisted that the general's departure was a "personal matter".
One notable event in Maj Gen Mackay's operational tour to Afghanistan was the re-capture of Musa Qaleh, a strategic town, from the Taleban.One notable event in Maj Gen Mackay's operational tour to Afghanistan was the re-capture of Musa Qaleh, a strategic town, from the Taleban.
He was subsequently awarded a CBE for his role in the mission.He was subsequently awarded a CBE for his role in the mission.
According to the Daily Telegraph, he was "disillusioned" with the process of "constant muddling through" in Afghanistan.According to the Daily Telegraph, he was "disillusioned" with the process of "constant muddling through" in Afghanistan.
The Times said he was concerned about plans to restructure senior army posts.The Times said he was concerned about plans to restructure senior army posts.
Latest resignationLatest resignation
An MoD spokesman said: "We can confirm that Maj Gen Andrew Mackay has decided to leave the Army.An MoD spokesman said: "We can confirm that Maj Gen Andrew Mackay has decided to leave the Army.
"This is a personal matter for him.""This is a personal matter for him."
Gordon Brown cannot keep ignoring the questions that are mounting over our strategy Angus Robertson, SNP
Maj Gen Mackay is the latest officer to leave the armed forces amid criticism of strategy in Afghanistan.Maj Gen Mackay is the latest officer to leave the armed forces amid criticism of strategy in Afghanistan.
Officers such as Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Tootal and Major Sebastian Morley had expressed concern about equipment shortages.Officers such as Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Tootal and Major Sebastian Morley had expressed concern about equipment shortages.
Major Nick Haston, who was Maj Gen Mackay's deputy chief of staff, resigned from the army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.Major Nick Haston, who was Maj Gen Mackay's deputy chief of staff, resigned from the army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.
Brigadier Ed Butler, of 16 Air Assault Brigade, also voiced concerns when he resigned, and General Sir Richard Dannatt stepped down as head of the army after repeatedly speaking out to highlight what he said were equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions.Brigadier Ed Butler, of 16 Air Assault Brigade, also voiced concerns when he resigned, and General Sir Richard Dannatt stepped down as head of the army after repeatedly speaking out to highlight what he said were equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions.
SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said Maj Gen Mackay's resignation demonstrated the need for a rethink on strategy in Afghanistan.
Mr Robertson said: "Throughout his career General Mackay has battled to improve the lot of the ordinary soldier and 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."
"After almost eight years our military personnel deserve a realistic and focused approach from the UK government - and ministers must take the initiative now that the Afghan elections have passed to rethink our strategy reflecting the wider regional concerns."