FORCES DESERVE A REALISTIC APPROACH TO AFGHANISTAN SITUATION.

FORCES DESERVE A REALISTIC APPROACH TO AFGHANISTAN SITUATION.

TIME FOR CANDOUR FROM THE UK GOVERNMENT

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement on Afghanistan and Pakistan, SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, called for candour on the costs and prospects of the operation.

Mr Robertson, who recently visited forces in Afghanistan, paid tribute to the military personnel there and welcomed a more focused approach reflecting the conflict widening to Pakistan.

Mr Robertson said:

“Having seen at first hand the reality of the situation facing our brave forces, now is the time for total candour on the human and material cost of the ongoing operations, its timescale and its chances for success.

“After almost eight years in Afghanistan, our military personnel deserve a realistic and focussed approach from the government.

“I welcome the joint approach taken by the Prime Minister in his statement reflecting the widening conflict and concerns in relation to Pakistan.

”We must now have clarification on why this operation is to succeed when every past intervention in Afghanistan has failed.

“I fear that the window of opportunity was missed while the UK and US have been distracted by the illegal Iraq conflict.”