Alexander and Ainsworth attack coalition over Afghanistan

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Both shadow defence and international development ministers have turned on the coalition government today over plans for a withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Speaking on The World at One, Douglas Alexander suggested that the Taliban could be aided by British plans, saying:

“When you visit Afghanistan they tell you that the Taliban say, ‘our enemies have watches but we have time.'”

“And if we’re sending a signal that regardless of any conditions on the ground, there will be a withdrawal of British troops from a combat role, that does represent a change of policy from what was previously the position.”

Speaking on BBC News later this afternoon, shadow defence minister Bob Ainsworth followed up on Alexander’s attacks, saying:

“What he said was the combat mission would be ended – completely. That’s a deadline. That’s not conditions-based.”

“When you’ve told [the Taliban] that the combat mission will be over, that you will leave by a set date, what are you doing?”

“Are you increasing the incentives for them to talk to you, for them to compromise? Are you making the job of our troops who, you know, we have put in harm’s way and lost so many of them, harder or easier?”

“And you know, my sad conclusion is that it doesn’t make it easier.”