HEREFORD MP Paul Keetch says a new report out today reinforces his fight for better back-up for the SAS.

The report, from the National Audit Office, attacks the Ministry of Defence, over the millions spent 13 years ago on eight then state-of-the art Chinook helicopters purpose-built for special forces but still not airworthy.

Mr Keetch raised the issue through the Hereford Times late last year after helicopter crashes claimed regiment lives in Iraq.

He said the SAS urgently needed to see either an upgrade of the eight Chinooks originally ordered, or money spent on an alternative to them.

The report says that the helicopters now needed to be downgraded to meet a much-needed demand from the regular army.

“John Major ordered these helicopters, Tony Blair paid for them to be dedicated special forces equipment.

"Now they are effectively being downgraded to standard use.

”Special forces deserve their own dedicated helicopters and the government should provide them. Special forces can’t be special if their equipment starts to fail them,” said Mr Keetch.