Army General quits 'after rows with ministers'

Ben Bailey12 April 2012

The Government was facing fresh criticism of its treatment of British troops in Afghanistan today after a senior Army general quit in an apparent row over policy.

Major-General Andrew Mackay, who was awarded the CBE for his frontline service in Helmand and led Prince Harry during his deployment, is leaving the army for "personal reasons", the Ministry of Defence said.

But several military sources claimed the resignation was linked to the general's growing unhappiness over the treatment of the forces. According to several newspapers, he had clashed with ministers over the issue.

He is the latest of at least four officers to leave forces prematurely amid criticism of strategy in Afghanistan.

Maj-Gen Mackay was recently promoted to the post of General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

He commanded the Helmand Task Force from October 2007 until April 2008 and was commended for recapturing the strategic town of Musa Qaleh from the Taliban. He was later awarded a CBE for his role in the operation.

Prince Harry spent 10 weeks in Afghanistan from December 2007 under Maj-Gen Mackay's command.

An MoD spokesman said last night: "We can confirm that Maj-Gen Andrew Mackay has decided to leave the Army. This is a personal matter for him."

Among previous resignations, Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Tootal and Major Sebastian Morley expressed displeasure at equipment shortages.

Senior military commanders have been calling for extra troops in Helmand amid fears that the death toll will continue to soar.

Gordon Brown is said to be considering sending an extra battlegroup of up to 1,000 men.

Major Nick Haston, who was Maj-Gen Mackay's deputy chief of staff, resigned from the Army earlier this year in protest at policy and equipment shortages.

Brigadier Ed Butler, of 16 Air Assault Brigade, also quit, voicing concerns.

General Sir Richard Dannatt stepped down as head of the army after repeatedly speaking out in public to highlight what he saw as equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions.

The Prince's tenure in Afghanistan in December 2007 was known to the media but, under a unique arrangement, newspapers and broadcasters agreed to keep it secret until his tour ended.

When an Australian magazine referred to his presence in Helmand, he was swiftly extracted for fear of inviting an attack from the Taliban and the story of his 10-week tour was published.

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