Sarah recently spent a week in Basra with British troops as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme gaining an understanding of what life is like on the ground at the air base, now that we have handed over control in Basra City to the Provincial Iraqi Council.

Sarah said "It was a privilege to spend time with our brave servicemen and women. I was very impressed with their professionalism and commitment to the task of training the Iraqi Army and Security Services. It was pointed out to me on several occasions that the kit and equipment our troops are using is among the best in the world and I heard no complaints about equipment from any of the soldiers that I spoke to. Our troops are doing a superb job and deserve our full support."