Helmand Mission

EDM number 9 in 2007-08, proposed by Paul Flynn on 06/11/2007.
Categorised under the topics of Afghanistan, Armed forces and Military operations.

That this House salutes the courage and professionalism of UK troops engaged in Afghanistan; recalls the hope expressed that the Helmand mission could be completed within three years without a shot being fired; notes that in Helmand two and a half million rounds have been discharged and £1 billion spent and, while only seven British soldiers died in Afghanistan in the first five years since 2001, 73 British personnel have lost their lives since the start of the Helmand mission; regrets that the £250 million of British taxpayers' money spent on drug eradication has resulted in an increase of 60 per cent. in the poppy harvest; is appalled at the forecast by a British commander that the conflict may last for 38 years; regrets that the threat of terrorism in Britain and worldwide has increased; fears that civilian casualties are losing the hearts and minds support of Afghans and others worldwide; believes that a military solution is not possible; and calls for a thorough reassessment of the wisdom of the Helmand mission.

This motion has been signed by a total of 14 MPs.