Documents released by the Iraq Inquiry shows that Labour neglected Britain's Armed Forces, according to a prominent Cumbrian Liberal Democrat.

The documents show that Labour ministers were formally warned that the military needed an alternative to the Snatch Land Rover in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lib Dem MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale Tim Farron said:

"This is yet another damning sign that the Labour Government ignored advice from its top military officials on their equipment needs.

"As we long suspected, generals told ministers that they needed better equipment to protect their troops and to prevent more casualties. For years the Army had to make to with adding extra protection to their existing, unsuitable vehicles.

"This is unacceptable in any situation and led to unnecessary casualties. I look forward to working with my Coalition colleagues to put these kind of indefensible practices behind us by making sure our brave soldiers are properly equipped."