Civil service outsources jobs to India

From the Times Online:

More than 100 jobs at the British Council are to be outsourced to India as part of a massive cost-cutting drive to save the taxpayer money, The Times has learnt.

The decision to recruit local Indian workers to fill finance and IT posts has infuriated unions, who fear that this could be the blueprint for Whitehall.

It is believed to be the first time that the Civil Service or a quango has directly exported jobs to save costs. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which funds the British Council, is exploring similar options. A spokesman said that administrative jobs could be carried out by local staff in regional hubs overseas.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents civil servants, said that the British Council decision went against Gordon Brown’s stated principle of “British jobs for British people” and could not be justified during a recession.

The council, which promotes British culture and language abroad, said that 500 of its 1,300 British workers would have to go in the next 18 months to save £45 million. More than a fifth of these posts are to be filled in India and the body plans to bring some of the Indian recruits over to “shadow” finance staff in Manchester.

The proposals coincide with the Treasury’s review of quangos, which cost the taxpayer £64 billion a year. The Treasury wants to cut or merge as many as possible. David Cameron has pledged a “bonfire of quangos” if the Tories win the next general election.

Martin Davidson, the British Council’s chief executive, said that 280 of the 500 back-office staff to be cut were permanent and the remainder were agency, part-time or contract staff. The body received £205 million from the taxpayer this year. He said that its budget had already been cut by 10 per cent and that he had drawn up a further £25 million in efficiency savings. It makes about £450 million from its commercial programme including language and teaching courses.

The Times has seen documents showing that the quango is considering plans to cut 80 per cent or 800 of its permanent staff to just 240 within five years. However, Mr Davidson said that this had not been discussed by the council executive or trustees and that there were no proposals to implement cutbacks beyond next year. He said that finance staff had looked at a series of scenarios involving heavier job losses but that these were “not part of discussions in any sense whatsoever.” He acknowledged that such cuts would involve “catastrophic” changes to the programmes that the council wanted to deliver.

The PCS is furious that jobs are to go to India. A spokesman, Dave Cliff, said: “We think it is an absolute disgrace. The British Council is an educational and cultural organisation to support British culture, but a big part of this organisation is now going to be based abroad.”The union is considering lodging a tribunal application because management failed to consult them over the job changes. It claims that staff at the British Council are civil servants since they belong to the Civil Service Pension scheme. Mr Davidson said that technically they were public servants.

A spokesman for the Cabinet Office said that it was unlikely that Whitehall departments would send jobs offshore, partly for security reasons.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “The FCO is working actively to deliver cost savings and to ensure that as much of our resource as possible is focused on frontline activity delivering for the UK. We therefore fully understand the British Council’s efforts in that direction.”

Mr Davidson said that he hoped that most of the cuts could be made through voluntary redundancies. “Our spending power overseas has been hit by the fall in the value of sterling in the last year,” he said. “To ensure that we continue to spend as much of the money we receive from the taxpayer as possible on our programmes abroad, we are cutting our running costs by creating leaner, lighter and more effective administrative and back-office functions.”

Final decisions about which jobs will go to India will be taken in the next few weeks, but they are expected to include 58 finance posts, up to 40 IT posts and 15 posts for a new centre of excellence. About half the jobs to be cut will be in education and teaching. Some of these areas will have to be contracted out to voluntary groups or local authorities.

Thanks again Gord for looking after “British Jobs”


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John Bercow and the secret green book

John Bercow the “new” speaker who has pledged to reform Parliament has chaired a committee to allow MPs to claim up to £9000 each year without providing receipts.

Also on the committee were Mr Duncan and Miss Harman .

Both MPs have publicly stated that it is unacceptable for expense claims to be paid without receipts. Miss Harman said in the spring: “There would need to be receipts for all claims. I really do think that that is something sensible which we could decide for ourselves now.”

Mr Duncan previously said: “The second home allowance was often just paid once a month without receipts, which is an unacceptable system in the modern age.”

Gordon Brown and David Cameron both pledged to clean up the system of parliamentary expenses. Mr Bercow had campaigned to replace Michael Martin by promising reform.

However, the new rules state that “no receipts are necessary” for the subsistence payments and that it is “for members to decide” how the money is spent.

MPs will simply have to state how many nights they have spent away from their main home “on parliamentary business” to receive the flat-rate sum. There is no way for the information to be independently verified.

The allowance, which is almost double the previous £4,800-a-year limit for unreceipted claims, is paid on top of expenses for mortgage interest, rent, council tax and utility bills.

The £25-a-night “subsistence” allowance is payable when staying away from their designated main home.

The new green book was issued to MPs on July 13, just before the Summer Recess.

The House of Commons, Miss Harman and the Tories declined to comment.


Nice to see the reforms making a difference.


Angus

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Silly Week, but not as we know it.

Are Your Tablets Working Darling

It seems that Darling has lost it, in a TV interview on the Andrew Marr Show yesterday he said “he was not a natural optimist but was confident despite Labour's heavy defeat in this week's by-election.” And followed it up with: “Whoever wins the next election will shape the destiny of this country - not just for the next five years, beyond that... I believe that we can win and we will win, but we really do need to come out fighting."

Asked by the presenter "even under Gordon Brown?" Mr Darling replied: "Yes, absolutely."


Gordo, who seems to be on the same medication said: “We've got to show that we are a disciplined party getting on with the work of government. I think people are very clear that we've got a task ahead. We've got work to do to prepare for the autumn."

Others seem to have a slightly different opinion: Ex-home secretary Charles Clarke blamed the Norwich North result on Mr Brown's "incompetent" treatment of outgoing MP Dr Ian Gibson.

Senior backbencher Barry Sheerman said the result was a "self-inflicted wound" and warned Mr Brown had until the end of the summer to reconnect with voters.
Left-winger John McDonnell said the prime minister had made a "terrible miscalculation" in his handling of the episode.

And fellow Labour backbencher, Kate Hoey, told the BBC Mr Brown needed to re-examine his leadership techniques.

She said: "By-elections are always unique but there is no doubt about it that this is a bad result."

Gordo then gave his holiday plans: and said he intended to spend more time with his children during the summer break from Westminster.

"If you are away for a week you notice how your children change and you have got to re-win their interest. It's important you understand you have got to spend time with your children."


Just as well Gord, I hear they are looking for unemployed, middle aged men to take teacher training courses for Infants schools.



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You Think!

Gordo should be a member of the University of the bleeding obvious, he has admitted that it has been a "difficult year" but said he had not shirked any of the "tough decisions" he has faced.

Speaking at his final press conference before the summer break, he said he had been "tested by events" such as the financial crisis and expenses scandal.

He accepted these have had a "short-term" impact on Labour's popularity.

Yes it has if you call the next twenty years “short term”, Mr Brown told journalists that the past year, in which he had seen off several threats to his leadership, had been difficult, but not the "most difficult" he had ever encountered.

He said Labour had taken the "toughest possible" decisions on banking regulation and Parliamentary reform when crises arose in both areas.

More bollocks from Gord and his gang, he was the Chancellor who decided that de-regulation of the financial sector and allowing market forces to run riot was the best thing for the economy.

He also said “We have got to spend through this recession so that we can invest for the future," what bloody future, we have a national debt that will take decades to pay off, our pensions are firked, we will all have to work until we are 95, there are stringing cuts about to appear in education, public services, and health care (don’t believe the hype).

The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson told Mr Brown a poll had found four out of five voters thought there would have to be substantial spending cuts - and asked him if he thought they were wrong:

"It depends how you ask these questions," he replied.

"If you were asking people do you want your numbers of nurses and numbers of doctors and the improvements in your hospitals to be safeguarded, they would say yes.

"I think the answer from the British public when you look at specific services on which people depend, is that they would prefer to see these services protected."

Wrong, what we want is a Government that actually governs; not one that has passed the buck for the last decade saying that devolving power away from parliament is good for the electorate.

Enjoy the long Summer Holidays Gord, and get used to doing nothing, because that is what your life will be like after the next election.

Next week is apparently Silly week so I look forward to reading and writing “interesting” blogs about politics. Mind you I think it has started already.



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So who is telling porkies then?

The BBC has this today, following the uproar over helicopters in Afghanistan.

A senior minister who is leaving office has said that UK forces in Afghanistan are short of helicopters.

The government also failed to warn the public about the effects of the current offensive, Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown told the Daily Telegraph.

Eighteen servicemen have died this month, leading to claims that a lack of helicopters has put troops at risk.

However, Chancellor Alistair Darling said the Treasury has never refused requests for more equipment or troops.

His was the latest in a string of government statements insisting the Army has the necessary equipment for its role in the campaign, as part of a Nato-led coalition.

But Lord Malloch Brown - who steps down at the end of the month - told the Telegraph: "We definitely don't have enough helicopters."

Most of the British Army's casualties during the Helmand offensive - aimed at shoring up security ahead of elections scheduled for next month - have been caused by roadside bombs.

And Professor Michael Clarke, director of the Royal United Services Institute defence forum told the BBC while everyone agreed more "lift helicopters" would help improve flexibility - ultimately troops had to go out on the ground to establish security.

The US had more helicopters but based its forces around the concept of an "air cavalry", he added.

"It's astonishing to me that Malloch Brown has said this before he steps down from the government," he told the BBC.

"He seems to be throwing down a challenge which is to say we have to rethink our strategic priorities over Afghanistan and what we're trying to achieve there. And that's something a number of people have said but for a government minister to say this at this time is very interesting."

Gen Dannatt has said some of his comments about extra resources needed in Afghanistan had been misrepresented and he was involved in "an ongoing dialogue" with No 10 over the issue.

Gordon Brown has said troop levels in Afghanistan will be reviewed after the elections while stressing there are enough troops there to do the job.

He has insisted the armed forces are better equipped than ever.


So it looks like the “powers that be” are.

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On the edge

From the Telegraph: Almost a million people are being forced to work part-time because they cannot get a full-time job, according to official figures that shed light on the hidden cost of the recession for thousands of families.

In the past year more than 250,000 extra people who would like to be in full-time employment have found themselves working four days a week or fewer, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This is an increase of more than a third on the previous year, and illustrates the extent to which companies are trying to cope with the downturn by reducing staff hours, rather than just laying them off.

When Britain’s biggest accountancy firm KPMG offered employees the opportunity to move to a four-day week, 86 per cent of staff signed up. Many of the City’s biggest law firms, including Norton Rose, are staffed by some part-time workers.

Manufacturers including Ford, Honda and JCB have also asked staff to work reduced hours.

The latest statistics indicate that, between March and May this year, a record 927,000 individuals were working fewer than 30 hours a week because they could not find a full-time job, a rise of 38 per cent on last year.

The figures include new employees who have been hired on a part-time basis and existing staff who have been offered reduced hours.

Separate figures released last week showed that unemployment had jumped to 2.38 million, with economists predicting it was inevitable that the total would exceed three million, matching the job crises of the early-1990s and 1980s.

The ONS employment figures, which have been collected since 1992, also suggest that far more pensioners are working than a year ago, as thousands of people are forced to defer their retirement because their pension pots have been hit by the falls in the stock market.

In the three months to May there were 1.36 million people of pensionable age working, an increase of 45,000 on last year.

More than half of Britain’s workers spend between 31 and 45 hours at work per week, according to the ONS figures.

The remainder are almost equally divided between those working between 16 and 30 hours a week and those working more than 45 hours a week. John Philpott, of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: “The 255,000 extra people who are now working part-time because they cannot find a full-time job is a big increase on last year.”

But he added: “It is a temporary phenomenon relating to the recession and once the labour market is in better health, there will be a shift among part-time workers back into full time work.”

Tell that to the people that can’t afford their mortgages or to feed their kids.

Angus Dei on all and sundry

Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE

Gord’s Gang Grows

From the Telegraph:

The number of spin doctors rises and political advisers Gordon Brown employs in Downing Street at taxpayers' expense has risen again.

Despite promising to cut the use of spin in politics, the Prime Minister now has 25 special advisers on the public payroll at No 10, his office said last night. The last time the figures were disclosed last summer, the figure was 23.

In total, Government ministers employ 74 special advisers, politically-appointed civil servants who are allowed to engage in party political activity but are still paid by the taxpayer.

The total paybill for special advisers in 2008/09 was £5.9 million. That includes pension contributions and severance payments for departing advisers.

Many of Labour's advisers are paid more than backbench MPs, who receive a salary of £65,000.

Some 14 aides in Downing Street are in a salary band that ranges from £66,000 to £103,000.

Beginning his premiership in 2007, Mr Brown repeatedly spoke of himself leading a "new government" that would break with the habits of the Blair era, especially when it came to spin and the use of unelected political advisers.

His deputy, Harriet Harman, said that under Mr Brown, there would be "no spin".

Liar liar pants on fire; Gord it seems is getting as bad as Tony Bliar.

Angus

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The truth will out

Angus

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Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE

John Cashcow and his secret salary

Speaker John Bercow is refusing to reveal his salary despite urging greater transparency in his campaign for the post.

His pay has been shrouded in secrecy ever since he took over from Michael Martin, who was ousted over his failure to deal with the expenses scandal, last month.

Mr Martin had agreed to keep his pay in line with Cabinet ministers at £141,868 this year in recognition of the squeeze in pay across the country and the wider effects of the recession.

But in April all backbench MPs, including Mr Bercow, were given a 2.33 per cent increase on their salaries.

The Commons website detailing salaries now lists Mr Bercow's pay entitlement as £144,520.

That suggests that he has kept his MPs' pay increase and now earns 1.9 per cent more than his predecessor.

A spokeswoman for Mr Bercow said there were "protocol difficulties" in revealing the Speaker's salary.

After his election, the Speaker was quick to announce that he would not claim a second-home allowance in future, having picked up the £23,083 maximum last year.

While campaigning for the post, he said that while MPs wanted reform and transparency, financial support should not be pared back so far as to make a parliamentary career unaffordable to anyone without a private income.

So tell us how much you earn Cashcow.

Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

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Gordo at his best

An "edited" version of what Gord really means.

All in good fun of course.

Angus

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Swine Flu infects No 10-No surprise there then

As usual the Labour Government and Gordo and his gang in particular do the wrong thing.

Michael Jacobs, a senior adviser to Gordon Brown has contracted Swine Flu during a visit to Mexico last month.

Why did the Pillock go to Mexico when he knew the risk?

It is not thought that Mr Jacobs had direct contact with Mr Brown after he first developed the symptoms of swine flu two weeks ago and Downing Street sources said the Prime Minister is in good health.

As Mr Brown's environmental adviser, he was due to stay in the converted police barracks that housed the leaders of the world's richest nations and their closest aides.

At the summit, Mr Jacobs had been scheduled to attend several of Mr Brown's meetings with other world leaders.

He had told colleagues he was "past the infectious phase" of the disease and could safely go to L'Aquila. However, the doctor treating him was unwilling to give a categorical assurance that he was not infectious.

Fearing that Mr Jacobs could still unwittingly pass on the disease to others at the summit, Mr Brown told his aide not to attend the summit.

Instead of going to L'Aquila, Mr Jacobs stayed in Rome, two hours' drive away, in regular contact with Mr Brown and his team by telephone and email.

Mr Jacobs' condition was known to a small number of officials at the summit, including several working for Barack Obama, the US president.

The NHS is now preparing to vaccinate the entire population against swine flu. A new vaccine could be ready in just five days and ministers predict that as many as 20 million people could be inoculated before the end of the year.

Ministers have secured up to 90 million doses of the vaccine, which is expected to arrive in Britain in the next few weeks, and the rest of the population is likely to be offered vaccinations next year.

But we need 120 doses because each person is thought to need two jabs, so “essential” personnel will be first, NHS staff of course followed by the Gov and Civil Servants and lastly us.

Swine flu has also infected at least two officials at David Cameron's Conservative Campaign Headquarters. A senior House of Commons official has also been infected.

Good job the Summer Recess is not far off.


Angus

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SACRIFICE

BRITISH FATALITIES:


Army2nd Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionFull story
HelmandSangin area
10/07/09
Army2nd Royal Tank Regiment
Full story
HelmandNad Ali
10/07/09
Army2nd Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionFull story
HelmandSangin area
10/07/09
Army2nd Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionFull story
HelmandSangin area
10/07/09
Army2nd Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionFull story
HelmandSangin area
10/07/09
Army2nd Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionFull story
HelmandSangin area
10/07/09
ArmyPrincess of Wales Royal Regiment, Attached to 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Gunshot woundDuring engagement with insurgent forcesFull story
Helmandnear Lashkar Gah
09/07/09
Army4th Battalion The Rifles
Explosionwhile on foot patrolFull story
HelmandNear Nad Ali
09/07/09
Whiteside, Christopher
Trooper
20
LancashireBlackpool
ArmyLight Dragoons
Hostile: ExplosionFull story
HelmandGereshk area
07/07/09
Babington-Browne, Ben
Capt
27
KentMaidstone
Army22 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers
Accident: Air crashA Canadian army helicopter crashed after take-off, no enemy fire was involvedFull story
Zabul province
06/07/09
Elson, Dane
L/Cpl
22
Harare, Zimbabwe
Army1st Battalion Welsh Guards, Fire Support
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by improvised explosive device during attack on a compoundFull story
HelmandBabaji, near Gereshk
05/07/09
Laws, Robert
Pte
18
WorcestershireBromsgrove
Army2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment
Hostile: Grenade attackVehicle he was travelling in was hit by a rocket-propelled grenadeFull story
HelmandGereshk area
04/07/09
Dennis, David
L/Cpl
29
CarmarthenshireLlanelli
ArmyLight Dragoons
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an Improvised Explosive Device while on footFull story
HelmandGereshk area
04/07/09
Thorneloe, Rupert
Lt Col
39
OxfordshireKirtlington
Army1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Hostile: ExplosionImprovised Explosive DeviceFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
01/07/09
Hammond, Joshua
Trooper
18
DevonPlymouth
Army2nd Royal Tank Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionImprovised Explosive DeviceFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
01/07/09
Birchall, Sean
Major
33
SurreyGuildford
Army1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in an explosion while on patrolFull story
HelmandBasharan, near Lashkar Gah
19/06/09
Mervis, Paul
Lt
27
London
Army2nd Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in an explosion while on foot patrolFull story
HelmandSangin area
12/06/09
McLaren, Robert
Pte
20
Argyll and ButeIsle of Mull
ArmyBlack Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionKilled while on operationFull story
Kandahar provinceKandahar
11/06/09
Thatcher, Cyrus
Rifleman
19
BerkshireReading
Army2nd Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionKilled while on patrolFull story
HelmandNear Gereshk
02/06/09
Bolger, Stephen
Cpl
ArmyParachute Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in an explosion while on operationsFull story
HelmandMusa Qala
30/05/09
Moffett, Nigel
L/Cpl
28
Belfast
ArmyLight Dragoons
Hostile: ExplosionDied in a explosion while on an operationFull story
HelmandMusa Qala
30/05/09
Richards, Robert
L/Cpl
24
Conwy, north WalesBetws-y-Coed
Royal MarinesRoyal Marines, Armoured Support Group
Hostile: ExplosionDied in hospital in Birmingham from injuries sustained when a blast struck his Viking vehicleFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
28/05/09
Hill, Kieron
L/Cpl
20
NottinghamshireNottingham
ArmyMercian Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion during an operationFull story
HelmandGarmsir area
28/05/09
Rossi, Jordan
Sapper
22
West YorkshireBaildon
Army38 Engineer Regiment, 2nd Battalion The Rifles Battle Group
Hostile: ExplosionDied following an explosion while on patrolFull story
HelmandSangin
23/05/09
Suesue, Petero
Fusilier
28
LondonHounslow
Army2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Hostile: ShotShot while on foot patrolFull story
HelmandSangin
22/05/09
Mackie, Jason
Marine
21
OxfordshireOxford
Royal MarinesRoyal Marines, Armoured Support Group
Hostile: ExplosionExplosionFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
14/05/09
Evison, Mark
Lt
26
LondonDulwich
Army1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Hostile: ShotDied in hospital in Birmingham after shooting in HelmandFull story
HelmandHaji Halem
12/05/09
Binnie, Sean
Cpl
22
Belfast
ArmyRoyal Regiment of Scotland, 3rd Battalion
Hostile: ShotDied from a bullet wound while on a routine patrolFull story
HelmandMusa Qala region
07/05/09
Ross, Ben
Sgt
34
GwyneddBangor
ArmyRoyal Military Police, 173 Provost Company, 3rd Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionSuicide Improvised Explosive Device attackFull story
HelmandGereshk
07/05/09
Pun, Kumar
Cpl
31
Western NepalParbat
Army1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Foxtrot Company
Hostile: ExplosionSuicide Improvised Explosive Device attackFull story
HelmandGereshk
07/05/09
Sheldon, Adrian
Rifleman
25
NottinghamshireKirkby-in-Ashfield
Army2nd Battalion The Rifles, 2 Rifles Battle Group North
Hostile: ExplosionDied in explosionFull story
HelmandSangin
07/05/09
Fasfous, Tobie
L/Sgt
29
South WalesBridgend
Army1st Battalion Welsh Guards
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by explosion while on foot patrolFull story
HelmandGereshk area
28/04/09
John, Dean
Cpl
25
South WalesPort Talbot
ArmyEnlisted into Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion while travelling in a Jackal armoured vehicle.Full story
HelmandGarmsir area
15/03/09
Stiff, Graeme
Cpl
24
LincolnshireGrimsby
ArmyEnlisted into Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion while travelling in a Jackal armoured vehicle.Full story
HelmandGarmsir area
15/03/09
Harkett, Christopher
L/Cpl
22
Neath Port TalbotPontardawe
ArmyRoyal Welsh Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionInjured while on foot patrol and died at the sceneFull story
HelmandMusa Qala
14/03/09
Upton, Paul
L/Cpl
31
GloucestershireChepstow
Army1st Battalion The Rifles, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Battle Group
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an enemy improvised explosive deviceFull story
HelmandGereshk area
25/02/09
Gaden, Tom
Cpl
24
GloucestershireChepstow
Army1st Battalion The Rifles, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Battle Group
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an enemy improvised explosive deviceFull story
HelmandGereshk area
25/02/09
Laski, Michael
Marine
21
Liverpool
Royal Marines45 Commando
Hostile: ShotFatally wounded after being hit by enemy fireFull story
HelmandSangin area
25/02/09
Gunn, Jamie
Rifleman
21
GloucestershireChepstow
Army1st Battalion The Rifles, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Battle Group
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an enemy improvised explosive deviceFull story
HelmandGereshk area
25/02/09
Kingscott, Stephen
L/Cpl
22
DevonPlymouth
Army1st Battalion The Rifles
HostileDied after coming under fire while on foot patrolFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
16/02/09
Smith, Darren
Marine
27
LancashireFleetwood
Royal Marines45 Commando, X-ray Company
Hostile: ShotDied from wounds sustained after being shot at by enemy units on patrol.Full story
HelmandSouth west of Sangin
14/02/09
Nield, Daniel
Cpl
31
GloucestershireCheltenham
Army1st Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: Rocket attackDied from injuries sustained while on a joint UK and Afghan National Army patrolFull story
HelmandMusa Qala, north of
30/01/09
Robinson, Richard
Cpl
21
CornwallSaltash
Army1st Battalion The Rifles
Hostile: ShotHit by enemy fire while on foot patrolFull story
HelmandSangin, north of
17/01/09
Winter, Danny
Cpl
28
ManchesterStockport
Royal Marines45 Commando
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in an explosion while on a missionFull story
HelmandGereshk
14/01/09
Sawyer, Tom
Capt
26
Herts
ArmyRoyal Artillery, 29 Commando Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in an explosion while on a missionFull story
HelmandGereshk
14/01/09
Mackin, Travis
Marine
22
Plymouth
Royal Marines45 Commando, Security Sector Reform Group
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in an explosion during a routine patrol.Full story
HelmandKajaki
11/01/09
Reed, Christopher
Sjt
25
DevonPlymouth
Army6th Battalion, The Rifles
Hostile: ExplosionDied in a routine patrolFull story
HelmandGarmsir
01/01/09
Elms, Liam
Cpl
26
Wigan
Royal Marines45 Commando, Z Company
Hostile: ExplosionKilled during a routine patrolFull story
HelmandSangin area
31/12/08
Whatley, Ben
L/Cpl
20
NorfolkKings Lynn
Royal Marines42 Commando, Lima Company
HostileKilled by enemy fire while on a missionFull story
HelmandNad-e-Ali
24/12/08
Deering, Robert
Cpl
33
Birmingham
Royal MarinesCommando Logistics Regiment
ExplosionKilled by explosionFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah, north-west of
21/12/08
Nash, Stuart
Rifleman
21
AustraliaSydney
Army1st Battalion The Rifles, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Battle Group
HostileShot while providing cover for colleagues from compound rooftopFull story
HelmandNad Ali
17/12/08
Lewis, Aaron
Lt
26
Essex
ArmyRoyal Artillery, 29 Commando Regiment
Hostile: AttackDied from injuries caused as a result of enemy fireFull story
HelmandGereshk area
15/12/08
Fellows, Steven
L/Cpl
26
BucksHigh Wycombe
Royal Marines45 Commando
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in explosion while on patrol in Jackal armoured vehicleFull story
HelmandSangin area
12/12/08
Birch, Marc
Cpl
26
Northampton-shireKingsthorpe
Royal Marines45 Commando
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in explosion caused by 13-year-old suspected suicide bomberFull story
HelmandSangin, south of
12/12/08
Manuel, John
Sgt
38
Tyne and WearGateshead
Royal Marines45 Commando
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in explosion caused by 13-year-old suspected suicide bomberFull story
HelmandSangin, south of
12/12/08
Davies, Damian
Marine
27
ShropshireTelford
Royal MarinesCommando Logistics Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in explosion caused by 13-year-old suspected suicide bomberFull story
HelmandSangin, south of
12/12/08
Sparks, Georgie
Marine
19
EssexEpping
Royal Marines42 Commando
Hostile: AttackAttacked with rocket-propelled grenades while on the roof of a buildingFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
27/11/08
Evans, Tony
Marine
20
Tyne and WearSunderland
Royal Marines42 Commando
Hostile: AttackAttacked with rocket-propelled grenades while on the roof of a buildingFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
27/11/08
Lucas, Alexander
Marine
24
Edinburgh
Royal Marines45 Commando
Hostile: ExplosionInjured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)Full story
HelmandKajaki area
24/11/08
Dura, Krishna- bahadur
Colour Sgt
36
Lamjung District, western Nepal
ArmyRoyal Gurkha Rifles, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionFirst fatal attack on a Warrior tank; vehicle struck by explosive device.Full story
HelmandMusa Qala region
15/11/08
McKibben, Robert
Marine
32
Irish RepublicCounty Mayo
Royal Marines3 Commando Brigade, UK Landing Force Command Support Group
Hostile: ExplosionExplosion while on patrol with Afghan forcesFull story
HelmandGamsir district
12/11/08
Dunstan, Neil
Marine
32
Bournemouth
Royal Marines3 Commando Brigade, UK Landing Force Command Support Group
Hostile: ExplosionExplosion while on joint patrol with Afghan forcesFull story
HelmandGamsir district
12/11/08
Rai, Yubraj
Rifleman
28
NepalKhotang
Army2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Hostile: ShotDied from gunshot wounds while on an operation against the TalebanFull story
HelmandMusa Qala
04/11/08
Munday, James
Trooper
21
Birmingham
ArmyHousehold Cavalry Regiment, D Squadron
Hostile: ExplosionDied in explosionFull story
HelmandGarmsir area
15/10/08
Mason, Nicky
L/Cpl
26
EssexAveley
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionDied when a booby-trap device was triggered while on routine patrolFull story
HelmandKajaki area
13/09/08
Rawstron, Jason
Pte
23
LancashireClayton-Le-Moors
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ShotShot during firefight with Taleban forcesFull story
HelmandKajaki area
12/09/08
O'Donnell, Gary
Warrant Officer Class 2
40
Edinburgh
ArmyRoyal Logistic Corps
Hostile: ExplosionKilled while trying to clear an improvised explosive device.Full story
HelmandMusa Qala
10/09/08
Cupples, Justin
Ranger
29
County Cavan, Ireland
ArmyRoyal Irish Regiment, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionDied when an improvised explosive device was triggered while on routine patrolFull story
HelmandSangin
04/09/08
Dempsey, Barry
Cpl
29
Ayrshire
ArmyRoyal Highland Fusiliers, Royal Regiment of Scotland
Hostile: ExplosionDied after insurgents exploded a roadside bombFull story
HelmandGereshk
18/08/08
Bland, Wayne
Signaller
21
West YorkshireLeeds
Army16 Signal Regiment, Motor Transport Troop as part of Kabul Support Unit
Hostile: Suicide bombDied after suicide bomber drove a car into a convoy.Full story
Kabul
11/08/08
Cowton, Peter
Pte
25
HampshireBasingstoke
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionDied after an explosion during a clash with Taleban fighters.Full story
HelmandSangin area
29/07/08
Mathews, Jonathan
Sgt
35
Edinburgh
ArmyRoyal Regiment of Scotland, 4th Battalion
Hostile: ShotReceived a single gunshot wound while on foot patrolFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
28/07/08
Rowe, Kenneth
L/Cpl
24
Newcastle
ArmyRoyal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment
Hostile: ShotCame under insurgent fire while on routine patrol.Full story
HelmandSangin area
24/07/08
Barnes, Jason
Cpl
25
DevonExeter
ArmyRoyal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle hit a suspected improvised explosive device after his patrol came under enemy fire.Full story
HelmandKajaki area
22/07/08
Johnson, James
L/Cpl
31
ArmyRoyal Regiment of Scotland, B Company 5th Battalion
Explosion: LandmineStepped on landmineFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
28/06/08
Shirley, Dan
Warrant Officer Class 2
32
Leicester
Army13 Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
Accident: Road trafficVehicle overturned on patrolFull story
Helmand
27/06/08
Whittaker, Joe
Pte
20
WarwickshireStratford-upon-Avon
ArmyParachute Regiment, 4th Battalion (attached to 2nd Battalion)
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in blast while checking for minesFull story
HelmandUpper Sangin Valley
24/06/08
Williams, Michael
Warrant Officer Class 2
40
Cardiff
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ShotFirefight with TalebanFull story
HelmandUpper Sangin Valley
24/06/08
Bryant, Sarah
Cpl
26
CumbriaCarlisle
ArmyIntelligence Corps
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle caught in explosionFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
17/06/08
Larkin, Richard
L/Cpl
39
WorcestershireCookley
ArmySpecial Air Service
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle caught in an explosionFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
17/06/08
Reeve, Sean Robert
Cpl
28
East SussexBrighton
ArmySpecial Air Service
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle caught in an explosionFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
17/06/08
Stout, Paul
31
ArmySpecial Air Service
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle caught in explosionFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
17/06/08
Doherty, Jeff
Pte
20
West MidlandsCoventry
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ShotOne of two soldiers killed after coming under fire while on patrol.Full story
HelmandGereshk
12/06/08
Bateman, James
L/Cpl
29
MiddlesexStaines
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ShotOne of two soldiers killed after coming under fire while on patrol.Full story
HelmandGereshk
12/06/08
Murray, David
Pte
19
CumbriaCarlisle
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: Suicide bombKilled in blast while patrolling on foot.Full story
HelmandSangin area
08/06/08
Gamble, Daniel
Pte
22
East SussexUckfield
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: Suicide bombKilled in blast while patrolling on foot.Full story
HelmandSangin area
08/06/08
Cuthbertson, Nathan
Pte
19
Tyne and WearSunderland
ArmyParachute Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: Suicide bombKilled in blast while patrolling on foot.Full story
HelmandSangin area
08/06/08
Gostick, Dale
Marine
22
OxfordshireOxford
Royal Marines3 Troop Armoured Support Company
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle caught in blast.Full story
HelmandSangin area
25/05/08
Thompson, James
27
Tyne and WearWhitley Bay
Army
ExplosionKilled in blast while patrolling on foot.Full story
HelmandMusa Qala
19/05/08
Babakobau, Ratu
Trooper
29
Fiji
ArmyHousehold Cavalry Regiment
LandmineKilled after vehicle hit a landmine during a routine patrol.Full story
HelmandNowzad
02/05/08
Pearson, Robert
Trooper
22
LincsGrimsby
ArmyQueens Royal Lancers Regiment
Hostile: LandmineKilled in suspected mine explosion while travelling in convoyFull story
Helmand
21/04/08
Thompson, Gary
Senior Aircraftman
51
Nottingham
RAFRoyal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion while on patrol.Full story
Kandahar
13/04/08
Livingstone, Graham
Senior Aircraftman
23
Strathclyde
RAFRAF Regiment
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion while on patrol.Full story
Kandahar
13/04/08
Thornton, John
Lt
22
DorsetFerndown
Royal Marines40 Commando
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion while on patrol.Full story
HelmandKajaki area
30/03/08
Marsh, David
Marine
23
South YorkshireSheffield
Royal Marines40 Commando
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion while on patrol.Full story
HelmandKajaki area
30/03/08
Mulvihill, Damian
Cpl
32
DevonPlymouth
Royal Marines40 Commando, Alpha company
Hostile: ExplosionKilled by an explosion while on patrol.Full story
HelmandSangin area
20/02/08
Lawrence, Damian
Cpl
25
North YorkshireScarborough
ArmyYorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: LandmineKilled after stepping on a landmine while on patrol.Full story
HelmandKajaki area
17/02/08
Gardiner, Darryl
Cpl
25
WiltshireSalisbury
ArmyRoyal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle hit by mine strikeFull story
HelmandMusa Qala
20/01/08
Johnson, Lee
Sgt
33
Stockton-on-Tees
ArmyYorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionVehicle hit by explosion, caused by suspected landmine, which also seriously injured a colleague.Full story
HelmandMusa Qala
08/12/07
Sadler, Jack
Trooper
21
DevonExeter
ArmyHonourable Artillery Company, 4/73 Special Observation Battery, Brigade Reconnaissance Force
Hostile: ExplosionHis vehicle was hit by an explosion, which also injured two colleaguesFull story
Southern AfghanistanHelmand
04/12/07
McDermid, John
Capt
43
Glasgow
ArmyRoyal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Hostile: ExplosionWhile leading a patrol his vehicle was hit by an IED, killing Capt McDermid and wounding one other.Full story
HelmandSangin
14/11/07
Alderton, Jake
L/Cpl
22
LondonBexley
Army36 Engineer Regiment, 20 Field Squadron
Accident: Road trafficHis vehicle left the road while crossing a bridge. L/Cpl Alderton was pronounced dead at the scene, two others were injured.Full story
HelmandSangin
09/11/07
Roberts, Alexis
Major
32
Kent
ArmyRoyal Gurkha Rifles, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionReturning to base after an operation when killed by improvised explosive device. Two other soldiers injuredFull story
KandaharNear airfield base
04/10/07
Tunnicliffe, Brian
Pte
33
DerbyshireIlkeston
ArmyMercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), 2nd Battalion
Accident: Road trafficDied during re-supply mission when Pinzgauer vehicle came off the road and overturnedFull story
HelmandNear Gereshk
20/09/07
Newman, Phillip
Colour Sgt
36
West MidlandsCoventry
ArmyMercian Regiment, 4th Battalion
Accident: Road trafficDied during re-supply mission when Pinzgauer vehicle came off the road and overturnedFull story
HelmandNear Gereshk
20/09/07
Violino, Ivano
L/Cpl
29
KentMaidstone
Army36 Engineer Regiment, 20 Field Squadron
Hostile: ExplosionDied in explosion while commanding a vehicle in convoy. Second soldier injuredFull story
HelmandNear Gereshk
17/09/07
Brelsford, Craig
Sgt
25
NottsNottingham
ArmyMercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ShotShot during firefight trying to rescue wounded colleagues after falling behind enemy lines. One of casualties included Pte Botha, who also diedFull story
HelmandGarmsir
08/09/07
Botha, Johan
Pte
25
South AfricaPretoria
ArmyMercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), 2nd Battalion
Hostile: ShotShot during firefight behind enemy lines when patrol came under attackFull story
HelmandGarmsir
08/09/07
Wright, Damian
Pte
23
NottsMansfield
ArmyMercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), 2nd Battalion
Hostile: Explosion during fightingOne of two killed during fighting with the Taleban. Civilian interpreter killed. Third soldier woundedFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
05/09/07
Ford, Ben
Pte
18
DerbyshireChesterfield
ArmyMercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), 2nd Battalion
Hostile: Explosion during fightingOne of two killed during fighting with the Taleban. Civilian interpreter killed. Third soldier woundedFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
05/09/07
Bridge, Christopher
Senior Aircraftman
20
South YorkshireSheffield
RAF51 Squadron, RAF Regiment, C flight
ExplosionBlast also killed a civilian interpreter and left two other servicemen injuredFull story
KandaharAirfield
30/08/07
Thrumble, John
Pte
21
EssexChelmsford
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion
"Friendly fire": Air attackOne of three killed when US F15 providing air support to ground troops dropped bombFull story
HelmandKajaki area
23/08/07
McClure, Aaron
Pte
19
SuffolkIpswich
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion
"Friendly fire": Air attackOne of three killed when US F15 providing air support to ground troops dropped bombFull story
HelmandKajaki area
23/08/07
Foster, Robert
Pte
19
EssexHarlow
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion
"Friendly fire": Air attackOne of three killed when US F15 providing air support to ground troops dropped bombFull story
HelmandKajaki area
23/08/07
Hicks, David
Capt
26
BerkshireWokingham
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion, C (Essex) Company
Hostile: AttackPatrol base attacked by small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades and indirect fire. Five others injuredFull story
HelmandSangin, north-east of
11/08/07
Rawson, Tony
Pte
27
EssexDagenham
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion, C (Essex) Company
Hostile: AttackPatrol to "disrupt enemy activity" came under fire from TalebanFull story
HelmandJusyalay, north-east of Sangin
10/08/07
Jones, Michael
L/Cpl
26
North YorkshireNewbald
Royal Marines
Hostile: ShotKilled in gun battle with Taleban during "special mission"Full story
Nimruz
29/07/07
Keen, Barry
Sgt
34
County DurhamGateshead
ArmyRoyal Corps of Signals, 14 Signal Regiment, attached to 245 Signal Squadron
Hostile: Mortar attackKilled on fourth day of operation against Taleban in Upper Gereshk ValleyFull story
HelmandMirmandab
27/07/07
Atherton, David
Guardsman
25
Manchester
ArmyGrenadier Guards, 1st Battalion, 3 Company
Hostile: ShotKilled on third day of operation against Taleban in Upper Gereshk ValleyFull story
HelmandMirmandab
26/07/07
Hawkins, Alex
L/Cpl
22
NorfolkEast Dereham
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionReturning to base after routine patrol in Vector vehicle. Two other soldiers injuredFull story
HelmandSangin
25/07/07
Hickey, Daryl
Guardsman
27
Birmingham
ArmyGrenadier Guards, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ShotPart of team providing cover fire as platoon assaulted Taleban positionFull story
HelmandGereshk area
12/07/07
Wilkinson, Dave
Sgt
33
KentAshford
ArmyRoyal Artillery, 19 Regiment, attached to Grenadier Guards, 1st Battalion
Hostile: BombVehicle hit by explosion after patrol also attacked with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. Four others injuredFull story
HelmandGereshk
01/07/07
Dolan, Sean
Capt
40
CheshireChester
ArmyWorcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, 1st Battalion
Hostile: Mortar attackPart of group "observing a substantial force of Taleban fighters" when attack was launchedFull story
HelmandQaleh-e-Gaz, Sangin Valley
30/06/07
Wright, Thomas
Drummer
21
DerbyshireRipley
ArmyWorcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionPart of group in armoured snatch Land Rover, surveying "site for a new road project"
HelmandLashkar Gah, Babaji area
24/06/07
Downes, Neil
Guardsman
20
Manchester
ArmyGrenadier Guards, 1st Battalion
Hostile: AmbushDied after Land Rover hit by explosion during patrol with the Afghan National ArmyFull story
HelmandSangin
09/06/07
Sandford, Paul
L/Cpl
23
NottsNottingham
ArmyWorcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ShotShot while on patrol with his company clearing a Taleban compoundFull story
HelmandUpper Gereshk Valley
06/06/07
Gilyeat, Mike
Cpl
28
MerseysideSouthport
ArmyRoyal Military Police
Hostile: Air crashDied with five US crew and a Canadian colleague in a Nato helicopter crashFull story
HelmandKajaki area
30/05/07
Bonner, Darren
Cpl
31
NorfolkGorleston
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion, A (Norfolk) Company
Hostile: ExplosionConvoy came under attack east of HyderabadFull story
HelmandGereshk area
28/05/07
Probyn, Daniel
Guardsman
22
West MidlandsTipton
ArmyGrenadier Guards, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ExplosionKilled in attack on patrol, which left four others injuredFull story
HelmandGarmsir
26/05/07
Davey, George
L/Cpl
23
SuffolkBeccles
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion
Accident: ShotShot himself in what MoD described as "a tragic firearms accident"Full story
HelmandSangin
20/05/07
Davison, Simon
Guardsman
22
Newcastle
ArmyGrenadier Guards, 1st Battalion
Hostile: ShotShot in attack by eight to 10 lightly armed Taleban fighters, while manning a checkpointFull story
HelmandGarmsir
03/05/07
Gray, Chris
Pte
19
LeicsLeicester
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment, 1st Battalion, A Company
Hostile: ShotKilled by small arms fire in a "fierce firefight" with Taleban fightersFull story
HelmandNow Zad
13/04/07
Smith, Michael
Warrant Officer Class 2
39
Liverpool
ArmyRoyal Artillery, 29 Commando Regiment
Hostile: Grenade attackKilled in a grenade attack on the UK base in SanginFull story
HelmandSangin
08/03/07
Reddy, Benjamin
Marine
22
BerkshireAscot
Royal Marines42 Commando, K Company
Hostile: ShotKilled when his unit came under fire during a "clearance" operationFull story
HelmandKajaki area
06/03/07
Clark, Ross
Lance Bombardier
25
South Africa
ArmyRoyal Artillery, 29 Commando Regiment
Hostile: Rocket attackOne of two UK soldiers killed during a Nato-led International Security Assistance Force operationFull story
HelmandSangin
03/03/07
McLaughlin, Liam
Lance Bombardier
21
Lancashire
ArmyRoyal Artillery, 29 Commando Regiment
Hostile: Rocket attackOne of two UK soldiers killed during a Nato-led International Security Assistance Force operationFull story
HelmandSangin
03/03/07
Holland, Jonathan
Marine
23
LancashireChorley
Royal Marines45 Commando, Whiskey Company
LandmineDied as a result of injuries sustained during a patrol in the Sangin ValleyFull story
HelmandSangin
21/02/07
Summers, Scott
Marine
23
SussexCrawley
Royal Marines42 Commando
Accident: Road trafficDriving a Pinzgauer vehicle in a convoy when accident happened on 4 February. After initial treatment flown back to UK, where he diedFull story
Helmand
21/02/07
Ford, Mathew
L/Cpl
30
LincsImmingham
Royal Marines45 Commando
n/a: ShotShot while attacking an insurgent base, but unclear whether it was by 'friendly fire' or the TalibanFull story
HelmandGarmsir
15/01/07
Curry, Thomas
Marine
21
LondonWanstead
Royal Marines42 Commando
Hostile: ShotDied during a mission to clear Taleban positionsFull story
HelmandKajaki
13/01/07
Dwyer, James
Lance Bombardier
22
South Africa
ArmyRoyal Artillery, 29 Commando Regiment
LandmineKilled when his vehicle hit an anti-tank mine during a mission in the desertFull story
HelmandGarmsir, desert south of
27/12/06
Watson, Richard
Marine
23
SurreyCaterham
Royal MarinesRoyal Marines, 42 Commando
Hostile: ShotKilled when patrol came under attack from the TalebanFull story
HelmandNow Zad
12/12/06
Wigley, Jonathan
Marine
21
LeicsMelton Mowbray
Royal Marines45 Commando, Zulu Company
"Friendly fire"Coroner ruled that human error was partly to blame, after Marine Wigley was hit by gunfire from a US F-18 jetFull story
HelmandGarmsir
05/12/06
Wright, Gary
Marine
22
Stirl'shireBlanefield
Royal Marines45 Commando
Hostile: Suicide bombDied following attack on military convoyFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
19/10/06
McCulloch, Luke
L/Cpl
21
KentGillingham
ArmyRoyal Irish Regiment, 1st Battalion
Hostile: AttackKilled in Taleban attack on patrol, which left three other soldiers injuredFull story
HelmandSangin
06/09/06
Wright, Mark
Cpl
27
Edinburgh
ArmyParachute Regiment, 3rd Battalion
LandmineDied when his patrol got trapped in an unmarked minefield and a rescue helicopter set off a mine.Full story
HelmandKajaki
06/09/06
Muirhead, Paul
L/Cpl
29
WarksBearley
ArmyRoyal Irish Regiment, 1st Battalion
Hostile: AttackFatally injured in Taleban attack on base on 1 September, which also killed Ranger Anare DraivaFull story
HelmandMusa Qala
06/09/06
O'Donnell, Craig
Pte
24
Dun'shireClydebank
ArmyArgyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland
Hostile: Suicide bombKilled in a suicide bomb attack, which also left four Afghan civilians deadFull story
Kabul
04/09/06
Nicholas, Gareth
Flt Lt
40
CornwallNewquay
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Mitchelmore, Leigh
Flt Lt
28
DorsetBournemouth
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Johnson, Steven
Flt Lt
38
NottsCollingham
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Bell, Gerard
Flt Sgt
48
CambsEly
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Davies, Adrian
Flt Sgt
49
BucksAmersham
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Langton, John
Sgt
29
Liverpool
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Knight, Benjamin
Sgt
25
SomersetBridgwater
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Beattie, Stephen
Flt Sgt
42
Dundee
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Andrews, Gary
Flt Sgt
48
MorayFochabers
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Swarbrick, Steve
Flt Lt
28
Liverpool
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Quilliam, Gary
Sgt
42
MorayshireForres, Moray
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Dicketts, Oliver
Cpl
27
East SussexWadhurst
ArmyParachute Regiment
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Windall, Joseph
Marine
22
BucksHazlemere
Royal Marines
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Squires, Allan
Flt Lt
39
WirralClatterbridge
RAF120 Squadron
Accident: Air crashOne of 14 British personnel killed when Nimrod MR2 aircraft crashed. Fuel leak thought to be responsibleFull story
Kandahar
02/09/06
Draiva, Anare
Ranger
27
Fiji
ArmyRoyal Irish Regiment, 1st Battalion
Hostile: AttackKilled in attack on base, which also led to the death of L/Cpl Paul MuirheadFull story
Helmand
01/09/06
Hetherington, Jonathan
L/Cpl
22
ArmyRoyal Corps of Signals, 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare)
Hostile: ShotKilled fighting rebels during an assault on his platoon houseFull story
HelmandMusa Qala
27/08/06
Budd, Bryan
Cpl
29
North YorkshireRipon
ArmyParachute Regiment, 3rd Battalion
Hostile: ShotSingle-handedly stormed Taleban position, saving seven colleagues. Awarded posthumous Victoria CrossFull story
HelmandSangin
20/08/06
Tansey, Sean
L/Cpl
26
Tyne and WearWashington
ArmyLife Guards
AccidentKilled as he repaired a damaged Scimitar tankFull story
HelmandSangin area
12/08/06
Reeves, Leigh
Pte
25
LeicsLeicester
ArmyRoyal Logistic Corps
Accident: Road trafficA driver, Pte Reeves died in an accident in which no-one else was injuredFull story
KabulCamp Souter
09/08/06
Cutts, Andrew
Pte
19
NottsMansfield
ArmyRoyal Logistic Corps, Air Assault Support Regiment
"Friendly fire"A coroner recorded a narrative verdict on Pte Cutt's death in January 2008, saying that it was more likely than not, the result of 'friendly fire'.Full story
HelmandMusa Qala
06/08/06
Johnson, Ralph
2nd Lt
24
BerkshireWindsor
ArmyHousehold Cavalry Regiment
Hostile: AttackOne of three killed when patrol attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns. Inquest verdict: Unlawful killingFull story
Helmand
01/08/06
Nicholls, Ross
L/Cpl
27
Edinburgh
ArmyHousehold Cavalry Regiment
Hostile: AttackOne of three killed when patrol attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns. Inquest verdict: Unlawful killingFull story
Helmand
01/08/06
Eida, Alex
Capt
29
SurreyCoulsdon
ArmyRoyal Horse Artillery
Hostile: AttackOne of three killed when patrol attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine guns. Inquest verdict: Unlawful killingFull story
Helmand
01/08/06
Jackson, Damien
Pte
19
Tyne and WearSouth Shields
ArmyParachute Regiment, 3rd Battalion
Hostile: ShotShot in firefight with Taleban during operation to clear helicopter landing siteFull story
HelmandSangin area
05/07/06
Thorpe, Peter
Cpl
27
CumbriaBarrow-in-Furness
ArmyRoyal Corps of Signals, in Afghanistan with 3rd Para Battlegroup
Hostile: AttackOne of two soldiers killed when rocket-propelled grenade hit government compound. Afghan interpeter also killedFull story
HelmandSangin
05/07/06
Hashmi, Jabron
L/Cpl
24
Birmingham
ArmyIntelligence Corps, attached to Royal Corps of Signals, in Afghanistan with 3rd Para Battlegroup
Hostile: AttackOne of two soldiers killed when rocket-propelled grenade hit government compound. Afghan interpeter also killedFull story
HelmandSangin
01/07/06
Patten, David
Capt
38
County LondonderryAghadowey, near Coleraine
ArmyParachute Regiment
Hostile: AttackOne of two soldiers killed in gun battle after raid to capture four Taleban membersFull story
HelmandSangin
27/06/06
Bartlett, Paul
Sgt
35
Royal Marines
Hostile: AttackOne of two soldiers killed in gun battle after raid to capture four Taleban membersFull story
HelmandSangin
27/06/06
Philippson, Jim
Capt
29
HertsSt Albans
Army7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Hostile: ShotPatrol involved in a firefight against suspected Taleban forces, with two other soldiers seriously injuredFull story
Helmand
11/06/06
Craddock, Peter
L/Cpl
31
BerkshireNewbury
ArmyRoyal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion
Accident: Road trafficVehicle hit a tractor on L/Cpl Craddock's last patrol of tour of dutyFull story
HelmandLashkar Gah
27/03/06
Cridge, Mark
Cpl
25
ArmyRoyal Corps of Signals, 7 Signal Regiment
SuicideAccording to the coroner's report from 2007 Corporal Cridge killed himself.Full story
HelmandCamp Bastion
22/03/06
Sherwood, Steven
L/Cpl
23
HerefordshireRoss-on-Wye
ArmyRoyal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion
Hostile: AmbushConvoy came under fire, leaving five other soldiers injuredFull story
BalkhMazar-e-Sharif
29/10/05
Kitulagoda, Jonathan
Pte
23
DevonPlymouth
ArmyRifle Volunteers (TA)
Hostile: Suicide bombKilled in attack near military base which injured four other UK soldiersFull story
Kabul
28/01/04
Gregory, John
Cpl
30
North YorkshireCatterick
ArmyRoyal Logistic Corps
Suicide: ShotCpl Gregory shot dead Sgt Robert Busuttil at a barbecue, then killed himselfFull story
KabulInternational Airport Base
17/08/02
Busuttil, Robert
Sgt
30
Swansea
ArmyRoyal Logistic Corps
Unlawful killing: ShotShot dead at a barbecue by Cpl John Gregory, who then commited suicideFull story
KabulInternational Airport Base
17/08/02
George, Darren
Pte
23
SurreyPirbright
ArmyRoyal Anglian Regiment
Accident: ShotShot by a colleague who had a 'dizzy spell' while handling a machine gunFull story
Kabul
09/04/02

R.I.P

All Smoke and Mirrors

By Jill Kirby at the Telegraph well worth a read.

A couple of quotes to whet your appetite.

A bit lazy of me but it is a well written article.

“Yet as activism has increased, public confidence has fallen. At opposite ends of the spectrum, the banking crisis and the tragic death of Baby P represent the abject failure of the state to prevent disaster: indeed, the elaborate systems of governance established by Labour appear to have contributed to the problem.”

“Reports of success fail to match our experience. Employers choose well-educated immigrants over indigenous school-leavers; parents are unable to secure places at the schools of their choice; hospitals are infection-ridden. The reality gap widens; disillusionment and disbelief set in. So ministers cast around for new ways to try to convince a sceptical electorate that life has got better – like putting targets into law. This is technique number two. Having failed to meet all its (redefined) intermediate targets on child poverty, the Government is legislating for their abolition. Last year's Climate Change Act says that by 2020, carbon dioxide emissions will be down by 34 per cent. No one seriously believes these targets can be met, but opposition politicians are unwilling to challenge them.”

Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE

Here we go again

Nationwide offers 125% mortgage.

The Nationwide Building Society has introduced a mortgage allowing borrowers to take loans worth 125% of the value of the home they are buying.

It will only be available to existing customers in negative equity who want to move house.
Negative equity means that the value of someone's home is less than the amount they owe on their mortgage.

Nationwide said the deal was a very "niche offer" and that not everyone in negative equity would qualify.

The Financial Services Authority is considering limiting mortgage loans to 100% of a house's value.

These people don’t seem to learn do they?

If you are in negative equity, the best thing to do is to stay put and wait until prices rise again, taking on more debts will not help.

Trust me I'm a blogger.

Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE

Fewer expenses, no more pay for MPs, but job cuts in the public sector if Cameron has his way

MPs cannot expect an automatic increase in their salaries after their generous expenses are curbed, Bill Cockburn, the man in charge of setting parliamentary pay, has warned.

Mr Cockburn, the head of the Senior Salaries Review Body, said that just because MPs stand to lose “freebies” like taxpayer-funded travel for their spouses, he would not necessarily push for a matching pay rise.

He was giving evidence to the Committee on Standards in Public Life, which is writing new rules for Commons allowances in the wake of the MPs’ expenses scandal.

Several MPs have told the standards committee that any cut in expenses should be matched by a rise in pay, to help them meet the costs of their parliamentary work.

Mr Cockburn rejected the trade-off. He said: "We have never accepted that you trade one against the other."

The SSRB is next due to review MPs’ pay in 2010.

Mr Cockburn said his body would base its pay recommendation “on the evidence” and consider all comparable public sector salaries, instead of looking narrowly at expenses.

He also questioned Commons rules that allow MPs to get generous pay-offs when they step down, even when they are choosing to step down.

Dozens of MPs have said they will stand down at the next election. Even those who go after being exposed for milking the expenses system will be eligible for a “resettlement grant” worth as much as £65,000.

Mr Cockburn said: “If someone fights a seat and loses it, OK, some sort of redundancy arrangement. But if someone in a company stands down, I would not expect a payment equivalent to a resettlement grant.”


And about time, they have only had 11 years to sort this out.

David Cameron's first priority must be job cuts in the public sector

With Labour stumbling towards defeat, a golden opportunity is looming, says Simon Heffer.

“There is no easier way to save money than by sacking people from the public payroll. This will entail more than cutting a few quangos: a defence expert recently told me that 25 per cent of the 100,000 civil servants at the Ministry of Defence could go without any detrimental effect to our defence capabilities. That is just one example.

How many bureaucrats are there in the Department of Health dealing with a target culture that does nothing to improve hospitals? How many are there in the schools department who are helping achieve the stunning levels of mediocrity that so distinguish our state education system? And what about the growth-like-Topsy of our local government, where some county council leaders now have entourages and vast private offices, and where business is run by a "cabinet"?

I don’t think it will matter who is in power after the next election, unemployment will rise, as will public sector cuts.

Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE

Worst of the recession 'is over' or maybe not

According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) business group, but talk of a recovery is premature.

Its report, based on a survey of 5,600 companies, found there had been "welcome progress" in confidence levels between April and June.

But the BCC is still predicting that unemployment will reach 3.2 million by the middle of 2010.
It warned that the increase in confidence was fragile.

The manufacturing and service sectors both recorded improvements in the second quarter of 2009. Although manufacturing saw the greatest progress, the sector still remains in "a worse condition overall", the BCC said.

Or maybe not: From Auntie.

Lloyds to cut another 2,100 jobs

Sharp contraction for UK economy

Corus cutting 2,000 UK steel jobs

UK economy 'set to shrink faster'

Will somebody please make my mind up.

Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE

Quasi-Autonomous Nongovernmental Organization

The ubiquitous quango; non elected, non Government, over funded and under threat, well at least from David (Dave) Cameron.

A Tory government would close one schools quango, while another - media regulator Ofcom - would be stripped of its policy-making role, he will say.

The Tory leader will ask shadow cabinet ministers to identify which bodies within their areas should be cut back.

In his speech he will say that the media regulator Ofcom would lose its policy making functions and the schools' Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) which develops the national curriculum would be closed.

But another quango, Ofqual, the exams regulator, would be retained.

He said too many quangos had become "lobbying organisations" and there was duplication where they were making policy, while government departments were doing the same thing.

Many had been "empire building" he said and 68 quango heads were now paid more than the prime minister.

The government says there are 790, others - including the pressure group the Taxpayers' Alliance says there are 1,162. As a result the estimated cost varies from between £34bn and about £60bn.

Here is an idea, scrap the whole lot, save £60 billion, and let the government do its job as a regulator, responsible to the electorate.


Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE