UK troop numbers in Afghanistan could rise following Trump pressure

More boots on the ground would 'send an important message to our allies', says former UK commander in the country

The sun sets as a Royal Marine stands guard in the watchtower at Forward Operating Base Prise near Gereshk in Afghanistan, in 2007 (PA Archive/PA Images)

The number of British troops in Afghanistan could top 1,000 for the first time in years following calls from Donald Trump for US allies to do more to combat the Taliban.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson is understood to have written to the prime minister recommending that numbers be boosted, although a decision is yet to be made.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the UK’s contribution to the mission was kept “under constant review”.

Were Mr Williamson's recommendations enacted, it is thought that between 400 to 450 soldiers could be sent to the country to join around 650 who are already deployed in non-combat roles.

However, a former UK commander in Afghanistan, General Sir Richard Barrons, warned that even more troops may be needed.

The retired officer told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the decision to end combat operations in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 “hasn’t worked”.

The extra troops would “send an important message to our allies” that they should do more, while also signalling to the Taliban that “they will never bring this fight in Afghanistan to an end by fighting, they have to resort to dialogue”, he added.

However, he suggested a greater military presence and an enhanced and more dangerous role should be considered, with troops leaving the their bases to accompany Afghan forces on operations.

“I absolutely think, if we are going to make a meaningful contribution, we will have to find the courage to train, advise, assist and accompany them into action,” Sir Richard said. "With that comes some risks and consequences, but that’s how you make a difference.”

The US has increased its presence in Afghanistan since Mr Trump unveiled his South Asia strategy in August last year.

Around 4,000 troops are thought to have been added to the 8,400-strong US deployment in the country, to bolster the Kabul government, train Afghan forces and fight the Taliban and other militant groups.

Meanwhile, a British parliamentary briefing document in April warned that the number of Afghan districts under insurgent control or influence has doubled since 2015.

It added: “The United Nations reported over 10,000 civilian casualties in 2017, over half of which were attributed to the Taliban.”

Sir Richard suggested that the UK should deploy around 10 per cent of the troops sent by the US, which would lift the British contribution to more than 1,200.

A MoD spokesman said: “The support the UK provides Afghanistan on security, development and governance is crucial to building a stable state and reducing the terrorist threat to the UK. We remain committed to Nato‘s non-combat Resolute Support mission, in which we play an important role, and keep our contribution under constant review.”

The military uplift is intended to prevent a Taliban takeover of the country, target Isis and al Qaeda.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said secretary of state Mike Pompeo had “reinforced our enduring investment in Afghanistan” in a conversation with the country’s president, Ashraf Ghani.

The reported change in approach is said to come amid concerns over how Mr Trump will approach a coming meeting of Nato leaders.

Theresa May is expected to join the president at the summit in Brussels in July, with Mr Trump then set to make a visit to the UK.

Mr Trump has repeatedly called for Nato members to meet their defence spending commitment of two per cent of gross domestic product and has threatened to walk away from the organisation if his demands are not met.

During a meeting with Mr Trump in Washington, Nato general secretary Jens Stoltenberg said all members have increased their spending, in part due to Mr Trump’s approach.

After the talks Mr Stoltenberg said it was “very important that we all contribute more to our shared security”.

Additional reporting by PA