Bishop backs 'courageous troops'

Bishop Devine said the public should appreciate soldiers' sacrifices

The public should demonstrate their appreciation of the sacrifices made by Britain's armed forces, according to a senior Scottish Catholic.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine, said people should shake the hands of soldiers.

He said that the conflict in Iraq may not be popular.

However, addressing the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, he said people should not confuse "our courageous young troops" with issues about war.

In a statement, Bishop Devine said he supported the recent appeal by the Head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, to show greater appreciation of the armed forces.

The bishop said there had to be a distinction between those on the battlefield and government leaders.