UK troops' pay rise for Iraq dangers

POSTED: 1831 GMT (0231 HKT), October 10, 2006

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain has announced pay rises for its troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, in recognition of the ferocity of fighting there.

"Our troops today ... are facing dangers and facing a type of conflict that a few years back they were unlikely to face, and I think it's important we recognize that," Prime Minister Tony Blair told reporters on Tuesday.

The additional pay recognized the "exceptional dangers" troops were facing, he added.

"I am pleased to announce today that we intend to introduce a new, tax-free, flat-rate, operational bonus, which for a six-month tour would amount to £2,240," said Des Browne, who outlined the plan before the House of Commons and issued a statement on the Defense Ministry Web site.

Troops from other countries do not pay taxes during operations, Browne noted, and that has spurred demands that the same be done for British troops.

"Support for our troops is not just about numbers of people and equipment," he said. "It is also about pay, conditions, welfare and medical care. In all these areas we are constantly reviewing what more is needed, and for some months now I have specifically been looking at pay levels for forces on operations."

The bonus, to be backdated to April 1, is equivalent to the amount of taxes for "an average private or lance-corporal" during a six-month tour, he said.

"It means that half our people on operations will be better off than under a tax exemption -- increasingly so for the lower paid," Browne said.

"The most junior will be over five hundred pounds better off after a six-month tour. Just as importantly, everyone on operations will be equally better off, by just under £100 per week, free of tax."

As the death toll has risen in Iraq and Afghanistan, families of servicemen have criticized the poor conditions and low pay soldiers endure while in combat zones. Britain has about 7,200 troops in Iraq and 5,600 in Afghanistan.

The increases follow calls from the media and opposition to exempt Britain's frontline troops from tax. Soldiers in the Balkans will also receive the bonuses.

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