MOD broadcast plea on TV for no more unsolicited packages for troops!

10.20.47am GMT Wed 25th Nov 2009

The Ministry of Defence have made an urgent plea that members of the public should not send unsolicited parcels to our troops in Afghanistan. Squadron Leader Nicola Parr when interviewed for BBC news on 24 November urged the public to stop sending parcels as personal mail and gifts to troops was now being severely delayed. Parcels have been sent using British Forces Post Office to unknown soldiers have increased mail by over 45%. Sq Leader Parr said that they are having to lay on extra convoys to get the mail out there, which, she said, may put our men and women in the front line in extra danger, as these convoys are being diverted from supporting the front line.

She also said that people are sending things that the troops can get out in Afghanistan. She urged the public to support the troops, but in a different way: Support our charities listed on the MOD website. These charities have agreed arrangements with the BFPO and MOD which doesn't impact on staff in theatre.

Sal Brinton, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Watford said "Along with thousands of others, I support our troops at the front line. My daughter, who is in the Territorial Army, has friends serving in Afghanistan at the moment. I want them to get letters and gifts from their families and friends, and would be horrified if anything we did delayed that. I hope that people will join me in donating to one of the service charities, so that we can support our troops serving on the front line."