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Bring our troops home - MP
November 17, 2009 5:46 PM
British troops should be withdrawn from the war in Afghanistan according to Withington's Lib Dem MP, John Leech.
With the death toll of British personnel in the conflict nearing 100 in 2009 alone, Mr Leech has backed a parliamentary motion calling for a debate on the continued British presence in the region. He has also spoken up on the BBC's Politics Show to urge the government to bring home British troops.
John Leech said:
"No-one doubts the commitment and professionalism of British servicemen and women in Afghanistan, who are operating in the most trying of circumstances. Yet with each passing day and each tragic loss of life, the mission becomes less palatable and the aims become less clear."
"In the first instance the mission was an honourable one and a justified response to the atrocities of 9/11. Unfortunately though, the government has mismanaged the campaign from the start, fudging the arguments and failing to back our troops adequately. Resources were diverted to the illegal war in Iraq, leaving the mission in Afghanistan under funded and our troops under equipped."
John Leech added:
"I worry that our continued presence in the region is becoming part of the problem, not the solution. In my view we therefore need to be looking for a phased exit strategy to bring our troops home."
Notes to editors:
1. John Leech has signed Early Day Motion 2261
DEBATE ON AFGHANISTAN
10.11.2009
Field, Frank
That this House calls on the Government to stage a debate early in the 2009-10 session of Parliament on the UK's role in Afghanistan, the objectives of this intervention and the timescale over which the Government believes these goals will be achieved; requests that this debate be based on a motion that is amendable; and asks that the Prime Minister opens this debate.
2. John Leech appeared on the BBC's Politics Show on Remembrance Sunday, 8th November 2009, to urge a full phased withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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