Legion magazine editorial
Published: 7 December 2009
It would be naïve to think that the war in Afghanistan
shouldn’t be on the political agenda in the run-up to a general election.
British involvement is a contentious and emotive issue.
Politcal parties know only too well that their actions and words on the subject
could well dictate how many people vote at the polls.
It should be a matter for political debate too – how many
people want to live in a country where there isn’t healthy and open discussion
of the rights and wrongs of sending troops into battle?
The problems come when people try to exploit the situation
for political gain. The prime minister should visit troops who have been
injured while fighting. He is the one who sent them into battle, their injuries
will be on his conscience. And why shouldn’t those who have lost limbs or their
sight have the chance to meet him face-to-face?
However, these visits must be regular, done in good faith,
and not be used as a PR opportunity. Soldiers should be asked in advance if
they want to meet him. They shouldn’t be left with the option of pulling the
curtain around their beds or not – it’s undignified.
Seeing political leaders fall over themselves to be
photographed with remembrance poppies in the background last month was an
unedifying sight and the fear is that the PM’s hospital visits will be viewed
in the same light.
Likewise with the BBC’s decision to host Question Time in Wootton Bassett this
week. The town has done the country proud with the way it marks repatriations.
But does taking a media circus to Wiltshire help anyone?
It smacks of sensationalism rather than serious debate, a PR
stunt rather than respect. The debate could have been held in a TV studio
anywhere in the country – does taking it to a school hall in Wootton Bassett do
anything but trample on people’s raw feelings?
Being caught in the cross-fire is nothing new for service
personnel, but the general election’s proximity is causing collateral damage
and self-inflicted wounds. It needs to stop.
