MP Hutton's tea break with Barrow soldier in Iraq

DEFENCE Secretary John Hutton surprised a Furness squaddie by dropping in to see him in Iraq.

Senior Aircraftsman Jon Corkill sent an email to Mr Hutton two weeks ago congratulating the Barrow and Furness MP on landing his new job as Defence Secretary.

The 27-year-old dad-of-three also invited Mr Hutton for a brew and chat the next time he was in Iraq. Mr Hutton took up SAC Corkill’s invite on Monday when the pair met in Basra.

Mr Corkill, who is serving as a crash rescue firefighter, training the Iraqi fire service, told Mr Hutton: “The best part of my job here is working with the lads and seeing the Iraqi services taking more responsibility for the airfield. The hardest thing is being away from my family.

“Training the Iraqi fire service is a vital part of their development and is key to them taking over the airfield responsibilities. This is an awesome airport with great potential to help the area develop.

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