Commenting on Des Browne's announcement on the deployment of additional troops to Afghanistan, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey MP said:
"I welcome the deployment of extra troops to support the Afghan mission; it is essential that British commanders have all the manpower and equipment they require.
"The loss of six of our personnel in the past month has forced a sober realisation of the challenges ahead.
"In January the mission was described by the former Defence Secretary as a small but significant step, yet the increasing violence proves otherwise.
"In the aftermath of the Iraq war the UK and US turned their backs on Afghanistan with obvious consequences.
"What is needed is a clear operational strategy with achievable objectives."
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