AFGHANISTAN: THE WAY AHEAD

The bloody conflict in Afghanistan drags on. It is now time to set a clear exit strategy.

It is the longest continuing international deployment of UK forces in a conflict zone since the 19th century. Indeed, our Service casualties there are now higher than the number sustained in the war in Iraq.

That is why I am backing moves in Parliament to set an exit strategy for our involvement in Afghanistan, coupled with a deadline for the withdrawal of British forces.

The former head of the British Army, General Sir Richard Dannett, said fighting could continue for another five years and his successor, General Sir David Richards, said British forces could be in Afghanistan for another 40 years.

We should help built a new Afghanistan where there is, for example, education for all. But the Afghans themselves must take on the challenge of tackling corruption, lawlessness and religious extremism.

The Commons motion echoes a similar resolution in the US Congress. It does not commit to a fixed timetable for withdrawal. That will be a matter for debate.

• I joined other MPs earlier this year to demand an Inquiry into the War in Iraq. This has now been set up despite my reservations about the membership and timetable. It must be as open and transparent as possible.