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Britain limits coverage of Afghan War
British journalists' access to military operations in Afghanistan is to be restricted during the general election campaign in order to avoid accusations that the armed forces are being used for political purposes, it has been confirmed.
The Daily Telegraph reported that journalists would be barred from being "embedded" with troops on the front line, while senior officers would not be allowed to give public speeches or talk to reporters for the duration of the campaign.
Shadow defense secretary Liam Fox said the Ministry of Defense was imposing a "truth blackout" at a time when UK troops were involved in Operation Moshtarak against the Taliban insurgents.
Dr Fox said he would table an emergency question in Parliament demanding an explanation.
"There is clearly one rule for Gordon Brown, when he wants to use the armed forces as political props, and another for reporters who want to tell the public what is being done in their name," he said.