Exmouth father finally gets apology from Gordon Brown, two years too late.

Ian Sadler, of Exmouth, lost his son in Afghanistan on December 4th 2007, fighting against the Taliban. Incredibly, it has taken the government and specifically, Gordon Brown, two years to send a letter of condolence. 

Last month he sent a letter of condolence to Jacqui Janes, a mother who had lost her son in Afghanistan, not noticing that he had misspelt her sons name.

The error has been put down to an administrative error, but many may well be questioning how many mistakes Gordon Brown is going to make. To add to the distress caused, the only form of apology came from an aide to the PM. “I have a letter apologising, not from the prime minister, but from Jeremy Heywood who is his permanent secretary” Mr Sadler told the BBC. “It’s not good is it? It goes to show what this present administration thinks of our soldiers.”

Mr Heywood told Mr Sadler that, “the issue had only just been brought to the prime minister’s and my own attention and the prime minister wanted to write to you at the earliest opportunity to correct the mistake that was made.” He added, “Please accept my and the prime minister’s apologies for the distress this may have caused and my most sincere condolences for your loss.”

Mr Sadler had previously complained to the MoD regarding a mistake on his sons medal certificate. Along with misspelling Jacks surname, he was referred to as a ‘Tropper’ instead of a Trooper.

Since the mistake was realised by Downing Street, the PM has ordered a review by the MoD to ensure the mistake doesn't happen again.

At this time of year it is even harder for friends and family to be without loved ones, as they fight for Queen and country overseas. Could these oversights by Gordon Brown affect his leadership – or has it become acceptable for him to make mistakes? Are we just too forgiving? It would be great to hear other views.