British involvement in Afghanistan conflict 'increasing domestic threat'

Only one in five voters believes Britain's military presence in Afghanistan is helping protect the UK from terror, a poll showed today in a blow to the Government's efforts to shore up public support for the war.

The survey, by GFX NOP for the Independent, found nearly half (46%) thought the conflict was in fact increasing the domestic threat and 14% believed it was making no difference.

Gordon Brown made a fresh bid to explain the strategy to the country yesterday, saying the troops were there "to protect the streets of Britain from al Qaida" and the support they could be given by the Taliban.

As the bodies of more soldiers were flown in from the combat zone, he said he understood why many people were questioning the justification for and purpose of the operation, which has been ongoing for more than eight years.

"I feel I have a constant duty to explain to people that the reasons that we went to Afghanistan in 2001 are still the reasons why we are there.

"We are trying to protect the streets of Britain from al Qaida and from the supportive work that could be done on their behalf by the Taliban, both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"There is no strategy that is without danger and risk. But that is the responsibility of leadership - of government, and of our armed forces. To do what is necessary, however difficult, to keep the British people safe. We can not, must not and will not walk away."

The poll however, of 1,000 voters, found only 21% backed the argument that the UK was safer as a result with 19% saying they did not know either way.

Fresh pressure over mission was put on the Prime Minister tonight when 19 Labour MPs backed a call for him to lead an urgent Commons debate.

Among the backers of the motion is Kim Howells, chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, who dramatically broke with Government policy last week by calling for the phased withdrawal of the bulk of Britain's military force from the country.

The early day motion, tabled by another ex-minister Frank Field, says there should be a debate on strategy early in the new session of Parliament which begins with next Wednesday's Queen's Speech.

It should examine the mission's objectives and "the timescale over which the Government believes these goals will be achieved", it proposes, and should be on an "amendable" motion - effectively giving critics the chance to vote on the issue.