In a speech today at King's College, London, British Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth made clear that the first priority for the Ministry of Defence is operations in Afghanistan.

Mr Ainsworth said:

"Failure in Afghanistan would have profound consequences for our national security. It would embolden those who preach extremist violence and increase the threat of terrorist attacks here at home. It would undermine the NATO alliance which has been the bedrock of Britain’s defence for the last 60 years. It would leave the UK and her Armed Forces with diminished support for action in the future and a tarnished reputation.

"This summer’s operations have been costly. They have taken their toll on the young men and women of our Armed Forces, who have responded with determination, bravery and skill.

"We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

"As I said in July, success in counter-insurgency should be measured by how safe the Afghan people feel and how far peaceful life can be resumed…

"We will have succeeded when the Afghans are able themselves to protect their own people and deny Afghanistan as a terrorist training ground.

"A new emphasis on partnering units of the Afghan Army at all levels is the best way to fulfill this. We would support an ambition to grow the Afghan National Army to 134,000 by the earlier date of November 2010.

"I have made it clear to all personnel in the Ministry of Defence that success in Afghanistan is our main effort, and will remain our principal commitment for as long as it takes. Our approach at this time must be - and is - Afghanistan First."

Read the entire speech

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