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Sunday 8th November 2009 | 10:06

Fox: We have no option but to stay in Afghanistan

10:06
- 08/11/09
- Liam Fox MP, Shadow Defence secretary
- Sunday Live, Sky News

Mr Fox insisted that despite rising casualties and falling public support, Britain had "no option" but to remain in Afghanistan.

"All of this is tied into the wider security of the UK and today of all days we need to understand nobody likes conflict ....but we have occasionally in our history to stand up to those who would fundamentally threaten the safety and wellbeing of our country," he said.

He added: "This is about how are are percieved to deal with fundamental threats, fundamental transnational terror which sooner or later are likely to threaten us".

He insisted that despite polls showing flagging public support for the war, withdrawal would send the wrong message, Britain's enemies.

"If we were seen to be forced out of Afghanistan by public opinion what message would that send to the men of violence? What would it mean in terms of Britain's reputation abroad if we were to unilaterally abandon what is a UN sanctioned mission?" he said.

However he appeared to welcome reports that General McChystal was considering putting UK troops 'out of harm's way'.

"Anything that sees a reduction in the number of British dead and wounded is helpful in terms of public opinion," Mr Fox said.

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Leave a comment...

crm114

11:34 |
08 Nov 2009
0

What total b*llocks!

A five year old could drive buses through these arguments, especially with some half-decent info

(such as http://www.michaelyon-online.com/michael-s-dispatches/)

Here goes:

The Al Qaeda operatives are in Pakistan, not Afghanistan (says the US military).

One opinion poll, no; but public opinion MUST determine policy in the long run. Dare I point out that this is supposed to be a democracy?

Anyway, the main argument against staying is that there are no clear objectives, which is because almost all clear objectives that have been set have failed to be met. Remember the electrification dam we put so much effort into last year? Three turbines in service by Sep 2009? Currently no new turbines in service and best estimate of due date is 2014. Etc, etc. Never mind the election....

Putting troops "out of harm's way" is exactly what the other European nations (with a couple of exceptions) have been doing, and what all UK parties have been reviling them for. This is because troops who don't fight are both expensive and useless.

Peter Buss

12:21 |
08 Nov 2009
0

There always alternatives, so Liam Fox'x statement is wrong on its very first premise. This is exactly the sort of muddled and unconvincing justification that has got the Govt into so much trouble in selling this War.Am also very unhappy with the idea that we leave the Ameicans to do the fighting. If as we are told this mission is central to our secuity then we should be fighting for our security. Liam - you really can't have it both ways.

I have thought for some time that Fox is in the wrong job - I would replace him with Patrick Mercer who does sem to know what he is talking about.

jack holland

22:21 |
08 Nov 2009
0

Get our lads out NOW, but not in body bags.

Strengthen our borders

Let some of the other nato countries have a go - they obviously are not worried about terrorismn back at their home,

Ross J Warren

14:11 |
09 Nov 2009
0

Until we have secured Afghanistan for the benefit of their once abused women and children will cannot in all good faith leave. I honesty Hate war and bloodshed, but sometimes we are called on to fight an evil foe. This is the case in Afghanistan, not

Only did these Wrong headed people enslave their own families they also destroyed

Buddhist treasures utterly irreplaceable statutes, the work of a very peaceful religion.

Muslims are not our enemy, indeed most of them would agree that Afghanistan’s Taliban have distorted their faith. It would be a tragic mistake to allow the public honestly felt repulsion at the loss of good men’s lives to turn us from our clear mission. Keep up the good work Liam, I for one am utterly behind you.

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