Afghanistan Question

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 22nd Jul 2007

This is just to let you know that I was called at the beginning of today's Questions to the Prime Minister - I was the second person called by The Speaker, shortly after 12 noon.

I spoke in support of British troops in Afghanistan, paid tribute to the eight from 16 Air Assault Brigade who had lost their lives in Helmand Province during the past month, and urged the Prime Minister to encourage other European NATO countries to deploy their forces to Southern Afghanistan.

I was encouraged by his response.

I hope that you will be able to access the tapes and be able to carry an item.

Many thanks.