AN MP has presented a petition to Parliament demanding better resources for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As Prime Minister Gordon Brown faced fierce criticism over his apparent lack of support for British forces, Bob Spink presented a 1,000-signature petition to Parliament from residents in Castle Point.
Presenting the document, Dr Spink said troops deserved the highest praise and the best equipment for the tough job they were doing.
He said: "Our servicemen and women are the bravest and the best in the world and we are rightly proud of them, particularly those who serve in the most difficult places in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We must adopt policies that will ensure we provide them with the correct equipment while they are serving out there, and provide them with a better deal when they return to this country."
The Prime Minister defended himself after five former defence chiefs criticised his Government's support of the armed forces.
He was accused of treating troops with contempt. Admiral Lord Boyce, who was chief of the defence staff in 2003, said: "I feel he has let the armed forces down by not appointing a secretary of state who is full time."
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