A Fife war veteran, who has long been an outspoken critic of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has called on the government to send British troops home after yet another young Fife soldier was killed in the conflict in Helmand province.
Rob Scott (66), chairman of The Black Watch Association in Fife, whose son and grandson both served in the conflict, paid tribute to Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, an arms explosive search handler from Kirkcaldy who was shot dead on Tuesday while on patrol with his dog Theo.
Lance Corporal Tasker joined the army in 2001 as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers but his passion for dogs led to a transfer to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 2007.
His death brings the total number of UK military personnel to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 358.
Mr Scott said, “Lance Corporal Tasker’s death is so very tragic and a stark reminder that we need to bring our troops home. This is yet another young lad who gave his all for his country, only for it all to be taken away with one shot.
“Although I am 100% behind British troops and will give them all the support I can while they are fighting in these conflicts, I have serious reservations about the UK Government’s motivation for going to war in the first place and quite honestly don’t know why they are still there.
“I have always said that when no weapons of mass destruction were found, there was no need for our troops to go.358″We are now talking about the 358th British soldier to be killed out there and we have to ask the question when is it going to end?
“One thing is certain, however there would have been a lot more British soldiers killed had it not been for Lance Corporal Tasker. He was clearly a very brave young man and that is how he should be remembered.
“My thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time.”
Mr Scott reminded ex-soldiers in Fife of the existing support network that is the Fife branch of The Black Watch Association.
“It’s important for people to know that we are here to help and offer support as well as help and advice with regards to issues they may have as a result of warfare,” he said.
For more details, contact him on 01333 424903.