British war role questioned as casualties rise

DEFENCE Secretary Bob Ainsworth defended Britain’s continuing military role in Afghanistan yesterday after five more British troops died over the weekend.

The latest fatalities took the British military death toll over the 200 mark as a poll found more than half the British public believe British troops should leave the country.

Ainsworth said progress was being made in the battle against Taliban insurgents, but added that British troops would remain in the country for some years to come.