Jeremy Corbyn says UK must not 'obediently applaud' US push in Afghanistan

Jeremy Corbyn has criticised the Government for backing Donald Trump’s decision to commit the US to “fight and win” the war in Afghanistan.



The US president said last night he would not set a time frame on American troops’ involvement in the 16-year long conflict and is expected to approve the deployment of more forces.

He also urged other Nato countries to step up their own contributions to the war in a bid to prevent the Taliban making gains.

Mr Trump’s comments were described as “very welcome” by UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon – but Mr Corbyn, who voted against Britain’s involvement in the original invasion back in 2001, said the Government should not “obediently applaud” the US.

The Labour leader said: “The war in Afghanistan has failed. After 16 years of bloodshed and destruction, the Taliban are undefeated and terrorism is no less of a threat at home. In fact it has spread.

“The British Government should make clear to Donald Trump that his strategy of more bombing and a new troop surge will continue this failure, not obediently applaud his latest policy U-turn.”

Mr Fallon has recently confirmed that the UK would send another 85 military personnel to Afghanistan in support and training roles, building on the 500-strong deployment already in the country.

Responding to Mr Trump’s remarks yesterday, the Defence Secretary said: “We have to stay the course in Afghanistan to help build up its fragile democracy and reduce the terrorist threat to the West.”