Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nigel Griffiths (Labour). It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Monday, 2 November 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan

Question: What steps the Government have taken to respond to requests from military commanders for additional troops in Afghanistan made in 2009.

Answer: In April this year, after considering options in consultation with the service chiefs, we announced an uplift in force levels to 9,000 for the period of the election in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister confirmed on 14 October that we had agreed to maintain UK troops at that level beyond the election period. We have also agreed in principle a new force level of 9,500, which will be put into effect subject to the following conditions: first, that the new Afghan Government bring forward the Afghan troops to be trained and to fight alongside our forces; secondly, that our commitment is part of an agreed approach and burden-sharing across the international coalition; and thirdly, that military commanders are satisfied that the extra troops are properly equipped for what they are being asked to do. In all, that means that, in principle, we have increased our troop numbers by about 1,500 in just over six months.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 498 c567; 296688
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Afghanistan
Monday, 2 November 2009
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons; Afghanistan
Monday, 2 November 2009
Oral question time interventions
House of Commons
Subjects: Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk