Sandstorm Threatens UK Christmas For Troops

Bad weather in Afghanistan is preventing British soldiers from travelling home for Christmas.

The sandstorm that prevented Prime Minister David Cameron from landing at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province is persisting which means the RAF planes used to ferry troops home to their families for Christmas are unable to land or take off.

It is common for those serving in Afghanistan to arrange their two week Rest And Recuperation (R and R) period over the Christmas break if they can.

Many have, and 85 soldiers are now waiting at the main British base in Helmand Province for the storm to pass.

There is no news at the moment on when the storm could clear, but time is now very short for the troops to make the journey home.

The storm will also cause a backlog, of troops with some fearing they will not get back until after Christmas Day.

Adding to the frustration, the troops who are stuck in Camp Bastion are eating into their R and R period.

The longer they have to wait, the shorter the time they get to spend back in the UK before they have to return.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed to Sky News that military policy stated that 'leave' periods are not compensated for if the passenger is delayed.

The spokesman said: "If we did compensate it, we would have an operational knock-on effect.

"The new Government found a compromise by ensuring that troops who lose days as a result of delays get them back on their post-tour leave."

Families hoping that their loved ones will be home for Christmas have been warned that they should expect them to be delayed.