HELMAND MISSION

That this House congratulates The Times newspaper for revealing the military and political confusion that preceded the deployment of British troops in Helmand province; recalls the debate in the House of 14 February 2006 when that decision was described as being as foolish and dangerous as the Charge of the Light Brigade while the Secretary of State for Defence said that he hoped the mission could be accomplished in three years without a shot being fired; regrets that more than twice the total of British soldiers killed in the Charge of the Light Brigade have been killed in Helmand; and salutes the sacrifice of the UK's courageous soldiers who have been let down by their leaders.