Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 9 February 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 February 2017 (named day). It was answered by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Monday, 20 February 2017 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to increase troop numbers in Afghanistan.

Answer

We have a long term commitment to Afghanistan, including through our security and development assistance. Our Armed Forces are committed to assisting the Afghan Government and we will continue to stand together with our Afghan and NATO partners to build a more peaceful, secure and prosperous future for the country.

Although our combat mission has ended, the support the UK provides on issues such as security, development and governance is crucial to building a stable state and reducing the terrorist threat to the UK. Supporting the development of the Afghan security forces ensures that they are capable of preventing terrorists gaining a safe haven in Afghanistan, and preserves the hard fought gains the UK and the international community have achieved in Afghanistan.

The UK regularly reviews its commitment and will consider all options to uphold our commitment to the NATO Resolute Support mission.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
63830
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Armed forces Deployment Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk