Brown faces challenge over Afghan plans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gordon Brown is facing a backbench rebellion by Labour MPs who are demanding that an exit strategy for British troops in Afghanistan is announced by January.
Seventeen MPs, including nine Labour members, have taken the unusual step of tabling an amendment to the Queen's Speech to force a vote on the need for a timetable for handing over security to the Afghan army and police. It could be debated before a Commons vote on Thursday on last week's Queen's Speech, which set out the Government's proposed legislation for the final parliamentary session before the general election.
The amendment calls for a report to be presented to the Commons "setting out the Government's strategy and timetable for the transfer of full responsibility over internal security to the government of Afghanistan".
Frank Field, Labour's former welfare reform minister, said he was not asking for a firm timetable for the withdrawal of troops but a Commons debate and vote on the strategy in Afghanistan.
"This would strengthen the hand of the British Government. It cannot hold the line while President Obama decides on his strategy," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments