Support the troops

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British troops posted to Afghanistan or Iraq deserve our fullest support in what is one of the hardest and most dangerous jobs you could imagine. They might not particularly want to go there, they didn’t particularly ask to be sent there, and we may not at times agree upon the legitimacy of their presence there. However as serving soldiers they do what the nation asks of them, without question, they display immense bravery and professionalism in the most arduous of circumstances, they do it for each other and for us, we should be ever thankful for the service and committment of all our armed forces.

I am pleased that Cllr. George Elsom is proposing an emergency resolution at tomorrow’s meeting of South Tyneside Council calling for backing for South Tyneside soldiers about to head to war-torn Afghanistan, heaven knows we have already seen enough young men and women from this area losing their lives in these two theatres. Real Independent councillor George Elsom sees the motion as an act of solidarity with five 205 Battalion Royal Artillery Territorial Army volunteers being deployed to the troubled land.

I have no problem with George’s opposition to the conflict in Afghanistan, and neither does he in proposing a motion which gives all of our elected representatives the opportunity to show (on behalf of all in the borough) a united committment that transcends politics and arguments, and instead shows our thanks and gratitude for the sacrifices that our troops make on our behalf.

205 Battalion RA Territorial Army draws it’s manpower locally and George was incensed when he saw the recent demonstrations against returning troops in Luton from a minority of the local populace:

“I was appalled at the abuse hurled at our troops during the march in Luton. What we need to remember is that these South Shields soldiers are volunteers. They are being ordered to go out there, and we need to let them and their families know that we fully support the sacrifices they are making. I hope the mayor will allow this emergency motion. I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t.”

I too hope that the Mayor concedes that this is a worthwhile motion for the Council to consider, and that he too sees it as an opportunity to unify all sections, cultures, and communities within the borough and to show our determination to see these five young men return safely from Helmand Province.

It would be fitting to arrange a march past at the Town Hall in South Shields by the lads and lasses from 205 Btn at Horsley Hill, with these five proudly at the front, after their tour of duty is completed.

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