06/11/2009
PM's Warning To Afghan Government
Gordon Brown has challenged the embattled Afghan president to confront corruption within his administration.
The Prime Minister said he was not prepared to put UK troops "in harm's way" for an unstable government.
Speaking today (Friday), Mr Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the mission, insisting the UK "cannot, must not and will not walk away" from the region.
However, the Prime Minister was stinging in his attack of the political situation in the country.
He said the Afghan government had become a "byword for corruption" and warned President Hamid Karzai that "cronies and warlords should have no place in the future".
Conservatives have accused the Prime Minister of sending a "mixed message" by confusing military goals with human rights issues.
The Lib Dems have called for a complete rethink on the Afghanistan strategy.
Speaking from the House of Lords, ex-Chief of the Defence Staff General Charles Guthrie said Downing Street had been "dithering" over its decision to deploy more troops.
"I do think that the servicemen, the people on the front line, are questioning whether the government is really, really committed to making progress in Afghanistan," said the peer.
Mr Brown today insisted the greatest threat posed to mainland UK is Al-Qaeda, which continues to plan attacks while harbouring in Afghanistan.
"We will not be deterred, dissuaded or diverted from taking whatever measures are necessary to protect our security," he said.
Calling for the creation of a new Afghan commission to investigate institutionalised corruption, Mr Brown urged Mr Karzai to make eradicating the problem the centrepiece of his inauguration speech on 19 November.
Stressing the need for the international community to work together, Mr Brown said: "We will succeed or fail together and we will succeed."
Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said the "endemic" problem of corruption in Afghanistan would "take a long time" to turnaround.
(PR/KMcA)
The Prime Minister said he was not prepared to put UK troops "in harm's way" for an unstable government.
Speaking today (Friday), Mr Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the mission, insisting the UK "cannot, must not and will not walk away" from the region.
However, the Prime Minister was stinging in his attack of the political situation in the country.
He said the Afghan government had become a "byword for corruption" and warned President Hamid Karzai that "cronies and warlords should have no place in the future".
Conservatives have accused the Prime Minister of sending a "mixed message" by confusing military goals with human rights issues.
The Lib Dems have called for a complete rethink on the Afghanistan strategy.
Speaking from the House of Lords, ex-Chief of the Defence Staff General Charles Guthrie said Downing Street had been "dithering" over its decision to deploy more troops.
"I do think that the servicemen, the people on the front line, are questioning whether the government is really, really committed to making progress in Afghanistan," said the peer.
Mr Brown today insisted the greatest threat posed to mainland UK is Al-Qaeda, which continues to plan attacks while harbouring in Afghanistan.
"We will not be deterred, dissuaded or diverted from taking whatever measures are necessary to protect our security," he said.
Calling for the creation of a new Afghan commission to investigate institutionalised corruption, Mr Brown urged Mr Karzai to make eradicating the problem the centrepiece of his inauguration speech on 19 November.
Stressing the need for the international community to work together, Mr Brown said: "We will succeed or fail together and we will succeed."
Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said the "endemic" problem of corruption in Afghanistan would "take a long time" to turnaround.
(PR/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 December 2007
PM's Christmas Tour Continues With Afghanistan
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Afghanistan on security and economic development issues during a surprise visit to British troops in the country.
PM's Christmas Tour Continues With Afghanistan
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Afghanistan on security and economic development issues during a surprise visit to British troops in the country.
31 August 2007
Talks Take Place In Prison Officer Pay Dispute
Talks are taking place today between the leaders of the Prison Officers' Association (POA) and Justice Minister Jack Straw in a pay dispute, which resulted in a surprise strike on Wednesday. The surprise strike action, involving thousands of staff from 140 jails in England and Wales, took place on Wednesday morning.
Talks Take Place In Prison Officer Pay Dispute
Talks are taking place today between the leaders of the Prison Officers' Association (POA) and Justice Minister Jack Straw in a pay dispute, which resulted in a surprise strike on Wednesday. The surprise strike action, involving thousands of staff from 140 jails in England and Wales, took place on Wednesday morning.
28 January 2010
Karzai In London For Afghan Talks
The gradual handover of Afghan security matters to the country's own administration will begin this year, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today. Meeting with the Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in London, Mr Brown conceded difficult times still lie ahead for the region.
Karzai In London For Afghan Talks
The gradual handover of Afghan security matters to the country's own administration will begin this year, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today. Meeting with the Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in London, Mr Brown conceded difficult times still lie ahead for the region.
30 March 2007
Chancellor and Defence Secretary visit troops in Afghanistan
Chancellor Gordon Brown and Defence Secretary Des Browne are on a surprise visit to Afghanistan to visit British troops, senior commanders and civilian staff. The Chancellor will announce that the UK will provide an additional £15 million for economic development, which will be used to support the Afghan government's National Solidarity Programme.
Chancellor and Defence Secretary visit troops in Afghanistan
Chancellor Gordon Brown and Defence Secretary Des Browne are on a surprise visit to Afghanistan to visit British troops, senior commanders and civilian staff. The Chancellor will announce that the UK will provide an additional £15 million for economic development, which will be used to support the Afghan government's National Solidarity Programme.
04 November 2009
Killer Afghan Policeman 'Taliban', Says PM
The number of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 has hit 229. The tragic figure was reached after multiple casualties were suffered in a single incident yesterday. It saw five British soldiers shot dead in an attack apparently carried out by an Afghan policeman.
Killer Afghan Policeman 'Taliban', Says PM
The number of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 has hit 229. The tragic figure was reached after multiple casualties were suffered in a single incident yesterday. It saw five British soldiers shot dead in an attack apparently carried out by an Afghan policeman.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.