LONDON (Reuters) - Britain, seeking to increase backing for its military campaign in Afghanistan, said on Thursday it would ensure that injured troops and soldiers' families were adequately supported.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said his ministry would help to fund a pilot scheme offering free legal advice at inquests to the families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Measures to improve access to healthcare for injured soldiers would include more help for those suffering mental health problems after serving in conflict zones.
In all, 239 British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001, more than 100 of them this year.
"We rely on the dedication, professionalism and selfless duty of our Armed Forces -- and on the civilians working with them," Ainsworth said in a lecture at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank.
"As a government, working in partnership at every level, with charities and the private sector, we will fulfil our obligations to them. As a nation we will honour our commitment," he added.
Ainsworth said troops in Afghanistan would have an hour of free telephone call time over the Christmas period to enable them to keep in touch with their friends and family.
Britain is increasing its contingent in Afghanistan by 500, the first of whom have just arrived in the south of the country. That will take the number of British troops to 10,000 including special forces.
The rising death toll has led to increasing public concern over the campaign, which the government says is essential to prevent terror plots from reaching British streets.
Source:uk.reuters.com
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