More to 'War' Than Coffins On Concrete ; News of Fatalities Suffered by British Troops Dominates Headlines About Afghanistan. Liberal Democrat Mp Andrew George Says It Is Also Right to Recognise the Many Achievements On the Front Line

Western Morning News, The › February 06, 2010

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Summary

A N OVER-EXCITABLE Commons Chamber is becalmed each week by the Prime Minister when he announces the name, rank and regiment of another fallen soldier, killed serving our country in Afghanistan. The reference is appropriate, dignified and reverential. MPs who may have been sharing a joke only moments before become serious and reflective. Each party leader makes sure to take time to do the same, honouring the dead, respecting their professionalism, bravery and their ultimate sacrifice while conveying condolences.

But it is also convenient. A party leader struggling to overcome a hostile or irreverent chamber clings on to these moments and seeks to prolong them for personal protection and for the opportunity to demonstrate a degree of statesmanship.

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More to 'War' Than Coffins On Concrete ; News of Fatalities Suffered by British Troops Dominates Headlines About Afghanistan. Liberal Democrat Mp Andrew George Says It Is Also Right to Recognise the Many Achievements On the Front Line

It is, of course, right that we should honour our fallen soldiers. Every tragic loss of life of a British soldier in Helmand is first given a headline announcement of date, location and circumstance. This is followed in the subsequent...

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