Mother calls for better equipment

Trooper James Munday was nearing the end of his tour of duty

The mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan has said MPs should concentrate on soldiers' needs and make sure they have proper equipment.

Caroline Munday was speaking at an inquest into the death of her son James Munday, from Warwickshire, a member of the Household Cavalry D Squadron.

She said politicians should ensure troops had the best equipment, rather than "feathering their own nest".

Trooper Munday, 21, died of a wound caused by an explosion in October 2008.

Coroner Sean McGovern recorded the narrative verdict at the hearing in Leamington Spa.

Improvised device

The inquest heard Trooper Munday, from Coleshill, had been driving a Jackal vehicle when it hit an improvised device.

Two of his colleagues were injured but survived.

All equipment was working properly at the time of the explosion, the inquest was told.

Mrs Munday said she was aware the protection capabilities of the Jackal, an armoured 4x4 vehicle introduced last year, had been criticised but added that if an improvised device was big enough, it could kill.

An MoD spokesman said thoughts and sympathies were with the family.

"We were deeply saddened by his death and we are grateful to the coroner for the sensitive handling of the inquest," he said.