News story

Prime Minister delivers statement on Afghanistan

The Prime Minister has made a statement to the House of Commons following his visit to Afghanistan.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Prime Minister David Cameron has spoken to the House of Commons setting out how the Government will approach the mission in Afghanistan and how the mission is progressing.

The Prime Minister said that 2010 was the vital year for the mission and we ‘must redouble our efforts to drive progress’.

Mr Cameron also said today’s statement was the first of regular updates to the House on the Mission in Afghanistan, with quarterly statements by the Foreign Secretary, William Hague and Defence Secretary Liam Fox.

There will also be monthly updates on the security situation, training the Afghan Security Forces and our development work.

The Prime Minister said:

‘Our Forces will not remain in Afghanistan a day longer than is necessary - and I want to bring them home the moment it is safe to do so.

The key to success is training and equipping the Afghan security forces at every level to take on the task of securing their country - so Afghans can chart their own way in the world without their country posing a threat to others and our forces can come home, the job done, their heads held high.’

He also stressed the UK’s backing for the Afghan strategy developed by the ISAF Commander General McChrystal.

Mr Cameron concluded his statement by saying there is “no national interest more vital” than what our servicemen and women are fighting for in Helmand.

The statement follows the Prime Minister’s visit to Afghanistan on 10 June when when he pledged further UK support the strategy. The Prime Minister committed extra resources for British troops to deal with roadside bombs and also announced additional funding for policing, education, jobs and governance reform in Afghanistan.

Read more about the Prime Minister’s statement on the Number 10 website.

Published 15 June 2010