This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6396001.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
UK to boost Afghan force by 1,400 | |
(3 days later) | |
The UK is to deploy 1,400 more troops to Afghanistan, bringing numbers up to 7,700, Des Browne has told MPs. | |
The majority will be deployed over summer and will be mainly based in the volatile province of Helmand, where UK forces have been fighting the Taleban. | |
The defence secretary said the move was being made with the agreement of the chiefs of staff and was "manageable". | |
He denied that the need for more forces in Afghanistan had forced the recent decision to reduce troops in Iraq. | |
And, in a Commons statement, he said it would be an "error" to believe that the need to increase troop numbers was the result of poor planning. | |
Nato duty | |
Nato commanders have said they need more soldiers to tackle an expected spring offensive by the Taleban. | Nato commanders have said they need more soldiers to tackle an expected spring offensive by the Taleban. |
The UK says it is having to send more troops because of the reluctance of fellow Nato members' to send their forces to southern Afghanistan. | |
Mr Browne said: "We believe every Nato partner should be prepared to do more to meet this need. But we must be realistic. | |
ADDITIONAL DEPLOYMENT Battle group will include elements from: 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers 1st Battalion Scots Guards5th Regiment Royal Artillery39th Regiment, Royal Artillery Source: Ministry of Defence | |
"I have lobbied our partners consistently for more help but it is increasingly obvious that at present, when it comes to the most challenging parts of Afghanistan, only we and a small number of key allies are prepared to step forward." | |
He added that the increase in troops was done "in accordance with unequivocal military advice". | |
Some of the forces deployed will be reservists although numbers are yet to be confirmed. The troops will be committed until 2009, Mr Browne said. | |
As well as Helmand, the troops will also be operating in the neighbouring province of Kandahar, and the provinces of Uruzgan, Zabul, Nimruz and Day Kondi. | |
The announcement of the extra UK deployment comes days after Prime Minister Tony Blair said the country's military presence in Iraq was being reduced by 1,600 personnel. | The announcement of the extra UK deployment comes days after Prime Minister Tony Blair said the country's military presence in Iraq was being reduced by 1,600 personnel. |
British troops will continue to be based in the south | |
For the Conservatives the shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said the increase indicated that "we are taking a disproportionate burden". | |
He described it as "scandalous that only four Nato nations ... the UK, the US, the Canadians and the Dutch - surprise, surprise - are contributing by far the greatest to the security in the south, and the most dangerous parts of the country. | |
"The UK taxpayers and the UK military are taking far more of the share of the burden than we should in what is supposedly a communal operation." | |
He said success in Afghanistan was "essential" for global security and said there were now questions to be asked about the future of Nato. | |
Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick Harvey said it was frustrating that Nato allies were not participating more, but he understood the "logic" of the increased deployment. | |
'Vital partner' | |
He questioned defence planning, saying "if we are going to keep up the operation in Afghanistan over a period of years, isn't it essential we complete the draw-down from Iraq as quickly as possible so that we don't continue operations on two fronts." | |
Mr Browne's statement came as Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett visits Pakistan for talks with President Pervez Musharraf. | |
She said: "I welcome the opportunity to discuss the work we are doing together on counter-terrorism, as well as other aspects of our relationship. | |
"I also expect to discuss the steps we are taking to defeat the Taleban in Afghanistan. Pakistan is a vital partner in this region and their commitment is essential to creating a stable and secure Afghanistan." |