Family of soldier killed in Afghanistan say British troops must not be withdrawn

Nov 7 2009 by Richard Down, Liverpool Echo

Steven Boote

THE devastated parents of a Merseyside soldier gunned down by a rogue policeman insist they do not want British troops to pull out of Afghanistan.

Speaking on behalf of Corporal Steve Boote’s parents, family friend Pam Mullin, 43, said dad Tony, a former Navy man, believes his son would have died in vain if they are withdrawn before seeing out their mission in the war zone.

Mrs Mullin, who befriended Cpl Boote’s mum, Margaret, at Wallasey Guides 5th West group, said: “We spoke briefly about people saying we should pull our troops out, but Steven’s dad believes the 230 troops would have died in vain if that happens.”

She also revealed Mr and Mrs Boote, of Prenton, got their son’s bedroom ready for a birthday visit days before his death.

The family were told just last weekend he would be home in time for his birthday in early December.

Mr and Mrs Boote tidied their only son’s old room in preparation for a two-week period of leave he was planning.

But the 22-year-old, a Territorial Army volunteer of the Royal Military Police, was shot dead with four other soldiers at a checkpoint in Nad-e-Ali on Tuesday.

Mrs Mullin, a housing officer, said: “His mum was planning to save Christmas until March when they expected him back, but instead last weekend Margie told me he would be home for his birthday.

“They were all looking forward so much to it.”