Tensions flare over Afghan strategy
By politics.co.uk staff
Number Ten is facing criticism over the government’s strategy in Afghanistan after the war dominated PMQs.
David Cameron attacked the prime minister for not acting with sufficient “urgency” over the conflict.
Gordon Brown replied said he regretted there was no cross party consensus in the debate.
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Earlier, Number Ten was forced to admit that the number of British troops in Afghanistan is under constant review after the head of the Army called for more “boots on the ground”.
There are currently over 9,000 UK troops in Afghanistan, up from 7,800 earlier this year as coalition forces prepare for next month’s crucial presidential election.
General Sir Richard Dannatt admitted that troop numbers was a “relatively emotive issue”.
Speaking on the Today programme from Afghanistan, he said: “We can have effect where we have boots on the ground.
“I don’t mind whether those feet in those boots are British, American or Afghan, but we need more to have the persistent effect to give the people confidence in us.”
Downing Street pointed out Britain is by far the second largest contributor to coalition forces in Afghanistan, behind the US.
But the prime minister’s spokesman conceded the number of British troops is under “constant review” – despite the fact the “current plan” is to reduce troops back to 7,800 later this year.
