THE decision not to allow soldiers to return early from fighting in Iraq will be a bitter blow to many East Lancashire families.
There had been high hopes that the members of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, currently on a peace-keeping tour of the country, would be allowed to cut short their six-month stint.
This was after the Government announced a reduction in troop numbers in Iraq last December, and allowed 100 soldiers from the regiment to return home a month later.
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But an increase in violence has resulted in the Government going back on their earlier pledge.
And while the members of the regiment will be fully prepared to see out their full tour, it is unfair to have built up their families' hopes.
It is not surprising that relatives of East Lancashire soldiers have said that they do not believe any of the official announcements'.
The war in Iraq has lasted for more than five years, far longer than most people expected.
This has undoubtedly caused a great strain on the armed forces and also their families left at home.
Let's hope that it isn't too long before all the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan come home.
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