Browne makes Afghan plea to Nato

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Des Browne has called on Nato to "step up to the plate" and contribute more to the military campaign in Afghanistan.

Ahead of informal talks in Slovenia with his Nato counterparts, the defence secretary said the UK was "grateful" for Poland's offer of 1,000 troops.

But he urged Nato "to look again to see what more can be done... to meet our collective commitment to support the government and people of Afghanistan".

This month 19 UK military personnel have been killed in Afghanistan.

Since Britain took command of Nato forces in the south of the country in May, 33 British troops have died.

And the total number of UK troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since Nato moved in, in 2001, is 40.

I cannot over-emphasise the importance of having a comprehensive approach Defence Secretary Des Browne

Britain has nearly 5,000 troops in the country - including 3,600 in the southern Helmand province - with 900 more on the way.

The total Nato force is about 20,000, 10,000 of whom are in the south of the country.

Mr Browne said: "I cannot over-emphasise the importance of having a comprehensive approach to our operations in Afghanistan.

"This is the only way we can deliver the necessary development and reconstruction.

"I will be asking Nato to develop stronger links with organisations that can help in the reconstruction effort."