Another Breach of Trust?

Should we be surprised that HM Coroner has delivered a devasting blow to Gordon Brown's government?

Questions must now be asked about Gordon Brown's culpability in the death of Captain James Philippson in June 2006 - a Britain who displayed the very highest standard of courage and leadership that we have come to expect from our armed services.

His father has described the current Prime Minister (and former Chancellor of the Exchequer) as that "miserable, parsimonious Mr Brown". I suspect that Mr Philippson senior is not usually given to overstatement even when talking about the death of his son. Once again Gordon Brown's armour-plated reputation for "prudence" has been exposed for what it is: a complete sham.

Apart from the very great tragedy of Captain Philippson's death, it is another indicator of the depths that Gordon Brown's government have sunk when the part-time Secretary of State for Defence has to put up a Minister of State to field the media questions.

"Defence minister Bob Ainsworth said that provision of kit to troops in Afghanistan had been dramatically improved since Capt Philippson's death. But he acknowledged that he could not promise no British soldier would ever again die as a result of equipment shortages. This is not the first time delays in the supply chain have caused casualties in theatre. I can't promise you that it will be the last. We are operating in very difficult, very complicated circumstances. Getting supplies to the frontline in a difficult theatre will always be difficult. But I have to say to you that there has been a huge improvement, recognised by everybody, in the kit, equipment and supplies to our people both in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last couple of years."

So that's alright then?