A row has erupted between the former head of the army and the former British ambassador to Afghanistan over military strategy during Britain's military occupation of the country.

General Sir Richard Dannatt told the Today programme that the suggestion in 2007 by Sir Sherard Cowper Coles that some battle groups returning from Iraq were used in Afghanistan because if they weren't used they'd be lost in a future defence review was "outrageous".

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles was not available for comment.

Former director general at the Ministry of Defence Rear Admiral Chris Parry adds his voice to the debate.

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