PM pays tribute to British soldiers
Gordon Brown has paid tribute to the "bravery and professionalism" of British troops working in Afghanistan.
In a Downing Street statement, the Prime Minister said that UK soldiers were helping to turn "a lawless region" into an
"emerging democracy".
The PM said:
"My first thoughts and condolences are with the families of these soldiers, who died serving in Afghanistan with such
distinction.
"I want to pay tribute to the courage of all the 100 British troops who have given their lives in Afghanistan in the
service of their country.
"The risks they bear and the sacrifices they make should be in our thoughts, not just today but every day. They have
paid the ultimate price, but they have achieved something of lasting value - helping turn a lawless region sheltering
terrorists into an emerging democracy.
"I do not believe democracy in Afghanistan would have survived without NATO and UN support; and British forces have been
on the front line of that international effort, and have acquitted themselves with great bravery and professionalism."
The number of British troops killed in Afghanistan rose to 100 following the deaths of three soldiers in a suicide bomb
attack in Helmand province yesterday.
ENDS