Continued Iraq presence endangering Afghan mission

Commenting on the Government’s announcement of the deployment of further troops to Afghanistan, expected to bring the total to over 8000, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:

"Further support for the vital work our troops are doing in Afghanistan is welcome.

"However, the Government is still failing to address the pressing issue of overstretch in our armed forces.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that our troops are being kept in Iraq largely for the political convenience of President Bush.

"It is time the Government set a timetable for withdrawal of our forces from Iraq. By continuing to try to fight on two fronts, we are endangering our chance to build lasting security in Afghanistan."