John Baron MP questions Secretary of State for Defence over Afghanistan troop density levels

MP says Britain compares badly to US

Today in the House of Commons John Baron MP questioned Bob Ainsworth, the Secretary of State for Defence, over troop density levels in Afghanistan.

John said:

“Troops alone will not be able to provide the solution in Afghanistan. But when it comes to counter-insurgency operations, troop density levels are important. In Helmand Province, 10,000 British troops will be responsible for two thirds of the population compared to 20,000 US troops covering one third of the population. If we are to succeed, does the Secretary of State not think this balance is out of kilter?”

The Secretary of State said in response that this balance was being reviewed at present, that there had been some improvement because Districts have been handed over to Afghan forces, but hinted that more still perhaps had to be done.

John said afterwards:

“Although I warned against our initial involvement in Afghanistan, we must ensure our troops are properly supported which I doubt given the population they have to cover compared to the Americans. This problem is made more difficult by the shortage of helicopters, and casualties will increase as a result.”