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Blair pays tribute to dead marine | |
(30 minutes later) | |
The prime minister has paid tribute to a Royal Marine killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan last week. | |
Gary Wright, 22, from Blanefield, Stirlingshire, died in an attack on a military convoy in Lashkar Gah, in Helmand Province. | |
Tony Blair described him as a fine soldier doing an extraordinary job. | |
Marine Wright served with Arbroath-based 45 Commando, whose members have been paid a visit by Defence Secretary Des Browne. | |
The unit has been in Afghanistan training the country's national army. | |
Armed forces | |
Speaking at the start of Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Blair said: "I'm sure that the whole house will join me in sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Marine Gary Wright of the Royal Marines who was killed in Afghanistan last Thursday. | |
"He was a fine soldier, he was doing an extraordinary job and his country should be very proud of him." | |
Meanwhile, Mr Browne expressed his admiration for the job being done by British armed forces in the country. | |
Des Browne met marines on a visit to Afghanistan | |
He was speaking from the marine base at Camp Bastion in Helmand during a four-day visit to the region. | |
Mr Browne said: "British and Nato forces are standing shoulder to shoulder with their Afghan colleagues and have great respect for their courage and determination. | |
"They too have made many sacrifices for the future of Afghanistan. We remain committed to training and mentoring them as they develop their capabilities." | "They too have made many sacrifices for the future of Afghanistan. We remain committed to training and mentoring them as they develop their capabilities." |
Sgt Gary Ellis, from Dundee, was badly injured in the incident which resulted in the death of Marine Wright last week. |
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