英伦广角 2010-03-08 布朗突访阿富汗（在线收听）

From a grilling on one war to a personal appearance of the heart of another, Gordon Brown touched down in Helmand to meet British troops says the vow about whether he deprive the military of resources raged at home. If he thought this worldwind trip will take the pressure off, he was sadly mistaken. But he proud on with what he came to do. Celebrate the success that was Operation Moshtarak.

I'm here as the Prime Minister to thank our troops, the most important thing I can do is to thank them for the courage, their professionism and their dedication.

But Gordon Brown insisted the mission in Afganistan is far from over. The next phase is to boost Afgan police and army numbers. As he saw recent recruits being pull through their paces in Helmand, he put his money where his mouth is. Pledging to send 150 extra British peace trainers out to Afganistan this year. Seen for himself the damage inflicted by a roadside bomb he pledged an extra 18 million for metal detectors to counter IED (improvised explosive device) attacks.

An unbailed are 100 million-pound programme to replace the controversial snatch vehicles linked to more than 30 deaths here and in Iraq. Welcome news for promises which will be greeted by some with suspision.

This is his 8th visit to the country almost certainly the last before the election. And the timing has inevitably attracted. Accusations or the political stunts of photo opportunity designed to push controversial headlines about resources of the front pages and creat new ones about him as a strong leader supporting his forces.

As he paused to remember those who've lost their lives here came news of another death. A soilder from three riffles was killed in an explosion near _. A reminder for _ of the price being paid for what he's being seen as progress here. A reminder too, that whichever man is assumed as the man to laughed to the election. Afganistan will loom large for years.

Michelle Clifford, sky news, Campe Bastion in Afganistan.