Press Release 03 November 2009
David Hamilton MP calls for UK Troops in the Gulf to be provided with Lightweight Uniforms
Midlothian MP David Hamilton has called on the Ministry of Defence to provide lightweight uniforms to our sailors serving in high temperatures in the Gulf.
David Hamilton has recently returned from a visit to the Gulf where he joined the Navy onboard HMS Kent and HMS Grimsby as they patrolled the waters near Bahrain and off the highly dangerous coast of Somalia. During his visit David was with the sailors as they worked in high humidity and temperatures around 100 degrees whilst wearing heavy duty uniform.
Whilst David is not suggesting that the Ministry of Defence should compromise the safety of our servicemen and women he has urged the Government to find lightweight uniforms that offer the same protection. During his visit to the Gulf many of the serving personnel said that believed that there was better kit available.
Speaking in the House of Commons David Hamilton MP said, “I had the privilege of being in the Gulf with the Royal Navy during the summer recess. The temperature was about 90 to 100°, yet on level 2, naval personnel still have to wear heavy-duty gear all through the summer. Can we not talk to the Australians, Japanese or someone else to consider fireproof, lightweight uniforms, so that naval personnel can be not just comfortable but more effective?”
In response the Defence Minister only said that the Government constantly looks at these issues and that they would do nothing to jeopardise the safety of our troops.
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