TONY BLAIR has admitted that conditions in Helmand province in Afghanistan are “very, very tough”, and promised to give commanders whatever equipment they need for the job.

In an interview on British Armed Forces Radio, the Prime Minister went on the offensive against critics of the mission, although he said that there were aspects of it that were more intense than had been expected. He said that the mission was essential to stop terrorism coming to the streets of Britain.

The Government has come under repeated attack for underestimating the difficulties that would be faced by the British troops it has sent to lead the Nato mission in the province, one of the most lawless in the country. The troops, who were meant to help with reconstruction, have faced intense fighting.

Critics, who quote John Reid, the former Defence Secretary, saying that troops would leave without a shot being fired, have complained that soldiers have not been given proper equipment, and then given appalling medical care on the NHS when they are injured.

However, in the interview broadcast today to mark the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan by a US-led alliance, he said: “It is right that it has been very, very tough, it was always going to be tough.

“I think in some senses whenever you go into a battlefield situation like that there are always things that you learn, there are always things that come at you in a more intense way than you expect.”

He attacked critics for misquoting Mr Reid, saying that he had only hoped that no shots would be fired, but had admitted it was going to be extremely dangerous. There have been numerous reports saying that soldiers lives are being put at risk because of inappropriate or insufficient equipment.

However, the Prime Minister said: “If the commanders on the ground want more equipment — armoured vehicles for example, more helicopters — that will be provided. Whatever package they want, we will do.”

He also defended the Government’s decision to send injured soldiers to NHS hospitals, saying that they received more specialist care. The situation was improving in Afghanistan as a whole, with children going back to school and the economy growing, Mr Blair said. However, it was essential that the Taleban and al-Qaeda were prevented from returning to power.

Times Recommends

• Iran arrests relatives of opposition leaders
• Banksy rival has final word in art feud
• Electrician travels 175 miles to change bulb