PM calls for help in Afghanistan
By ONLINE REPORTER
MARCH 07, 2007
Mr Blair and the Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron, discussed the Afghan war in today's "Prime Minister's Question Time" in the House of Commons.
THE Prime Minister today urged Britain’s Nato partners to contribute more to operations in Afghanistan.
At Commons question time, Mr Blair praised British forces for their “extraordinary ... heroism and courage”.
But he told Tory leader David Cameron that the Government did want other Nato countries to do “even more” to fight the Taliban.
Mr Cameron warned that without additional Nato troops there would be “significant pressure” for further British reinforcements to be sent to Afghanistan.
As question time got under way, Mr Blair paid tribute to troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past few days.
He said British forces in the south of Afghanistan were displaying a “heroism that even with all the rich history of the British military is almost unparalleled”.
Mr Cameron joined the tributes and condolences for the families of the dead and injured.
“This week Nato have launched a significant offensive in the south of the country and with spring approaching many expect the intensity of the fighting to increase,” he said.
“Are you and your Cabinet confident that British forces are sufficiently backed by other Nato countries, are properly reinforced and adequately equipped not just to withstand attack, but to secure peace and security throughout Helmand province?”
Mr Blair replied: “I believe that the additional contribution we are making and the contributions of other Nato countries are immensely important here.
“For example, Sweden I think, is taking a decision today to reinforce its armed forces in the north of Afghanistan.
“There are also other countries providing assistance for reconstruction and extra equipment. All of that is important.
“But I think also it is fair to say that yes, of course, we want our Nato partners to do even more.
“That is why at the meeting at Seville just a short time ago we pressed for that to happen. We’ll continue pressing for it to happen. But the important thing about our own reinforcements in Afghanistan is that they are there not just to complete our mission but to protect our troops.”
thesun.co.uk
By ONLINE REPORTER
MARCH 07, 2007
Mr Blair and the Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron, discussed the Afghan war in today's "Prime Minister's Question Time" in the House of Commons.
THE Prime Minister today urged Britain’s Nato partners to contribute more to operations in Afghanistan.
At Commons question time, Mr Blair praised British forces for their “extraordinary ... heroism and courage”.
But he told Tory leader David Cameron that the Government did want other Nato countries to do “even more” to fight the Taliban.
Mr Cameron warned that without additional Nato troops there would be “significant pressure” for further British reinforcements to be sent to Afghanistan.
As question time got under way, Mr Blair paid tribute to troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past few days.
He said British forces in the south of Afghanistan were displaying a “heroism that even with all the rich history of the British military is almost unparalleled”.
Mr Cameron joined the tributes and condolences for the families of the dead and injured.
“This week Nato have launched a significant offensive in the south of the country and with spring approaching many expect the intensity of the fighting to increase,” he said.
“Are you and your Cabinet confident that British forces are sufficiently backed by other Nato countries, are properly reinforced and adequately equipped not just to withstand attack, but to secure peace and security throughout Helmand province?”
Mr Blair replied: “I believe that the additional contribution we are making and the contributions of other Nato countries are immensely important here.
“For example, Sweden I think, is taking a decision today to reinforce its armed forces in the north of Afghanistan.
“There are also other countries providing assistance for reconstruction and extra equipment. All of that is important.
“But I think also it is fair to say that yes, of course, we want our Nato partners to do even more.
“That is why at the meeting at Seville just a short time ago we pressed for that to happen. We’ll continue pressing for it to happen. But the important thing about our own reinforcements in Afghanistan is that they are there not just to complete our mission but to protect our troops.”
thesun.co.uk