**Gordon Brown has visited British troops in Afghanistan amid a growing row over his evidence to the Iraq war inquiry.**The prime minister’s aides told the BBC Mr Brown rejected criticism from two former Army chiefs that as chancellor, he denied a request for more equipment.
No 10 also fiercely denied Conservative claims he was using the visit to divert attention away from the row.
During his visit the PM promised 2,000 more metal detectors and announced plans for a new light patrol vehicle.
**‘Disingenuous’ **
The new military fleet would replace the controversial Snatch Land Rovers.
Downing Street insisted the timing of his evidence and the trip to Helmand province were organised separately.
On Friday Mr Brown told the Chilcot inquiry the military had been given everything it asked for.
But Lord Guthrie, ex-chief of the defence staff, said in the Daily Telegraph that armed forces had been denied a request for more helicopters.
His successor, Lord Boyce, told the Times Mr Brown had been “disingenuous”.