The work of the HALO Trust in saving countless lives in some of the world’s most hazardous conflict zones, including Ukraine, has been praised by Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack.
He stated the charity’s expertise in finding and clearing mines and educating at risk communities about the dangers, particularly children, is internationally recognised.
Mr Jack, who is Scottish Secretary, was speaking following a fact-finding tour at HALO’s global headquarters at a rural location near Thornhill.
He said: “It was interesting to learn about the UK Government-funded work being carried out by the organisation in Ukraine, which has involved increased personnel training, including by recruits from within the country.
“Following the Russian aggression, large areas have been mined by the invading forces, whilst, in addition, a significant proportion of shells fired by them fail to explode, leaving them as life-threatening hazards in the ground.”
Mr Jack was briefed on developments by Mike Newton, HALO’s head of Europe, and was shown some of the advanced technology and equipment used on the charity’s vital Ukrainian mission and at numerous other trouble spots.