Thousands of soldiers risking their lives in Afghanistan are doing so without the right equipment for the job. But while the Government has failed to equip the Armed Forces properly, some politicians were able to lavish taxpayers' money on themselves, as leaked expenses claims revealed.

It is a scandal that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of retired RAF chaplain The Rev Duncan Shaw.

Mr Shaw, minister of Alves and Burghead linked with Kinloss and Findhorn, will criticise policy makers for failing to consider the human cost of conflict in services this Sunday.

Speaking to 'The Northern Scot' this week, Mr Shaw said: "The way the military is being left high and dry in recent times is really appalling. I want to make the point that we can't ignore warfare. It is not keeping the faith of those who died hoping and praying that theirs was the war to end all wars.

"Suffering, seen day by day with servicemen being carried home on the shoulders of colleagues, is very upsetting to the country as a whole, and families in the military community."

In his Remembrance Sunday sermons at Findhorn and Burghead churches, the minister will remind his parishioners of the Biblical attitudes to war and peace. He will quote the teaching of St Paul who urges "to put on the full armour of God".

Mr Shaw said: "Nowhere does it say, 'We're a bit short, just make do with the helicopters and the equipment you've got, until we sort out our debate about MPs expenses...'

"We have a Government that says one thing and does something else. I am hitting out at one or two in Government circles who are burying their head in the sand. It is important to make a stand, and Remembrance is the right time to do it."

Expenses claims made by MPs were leaked to the Press because of outrage over the Government not adequately protecting the military, while, in some cases, raking in excessive expenses.

Since the end of World War II, there has only been one year, 1968, in which no British service personnel have been killed in action, making the act of Remembrance as relevant today as it ever was.

A total of 92 UK servicemen have now been killed this year, the highest annual figure since the Falklands War in 1982.

Remembrance services will take place at churches and memorials across Moray this Sunday.

e.green@northern-scot.co.uk

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