Bravery honoured

Given the way in which Britain’s involvement in Afghanistan is ending, such history could well repeat itself in the UK were it not for this country’s continued demonstration of clear support for its Armed Forces.

Of course, time will tell whether the Government’s assessment of the Afghanistan conflict is correct and British sacrifices have given this chaotic country the real chance of a more secure future. But the deaths of three soldiers in a bomb blast this week is further evidence that the Taliban’s appetite for combat grows stronger as the date for British withdrawal next year gets closer.

One thing, however, is certain. The heroism and sacrifice displayed by British troops throughout this war will continue until the withdrawal is complete. And as long as this bravery goes on, even in the service of a cause that the public is no longer certain about, so support must be shown through centres such as Headley Court, where wounded service personnel are given the treatment and help needed to rebuild their careers, and where the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh made their own show of support yesterday.

Meanwhile, those who chose to journey to York Minster yesterday, alongside hundreds of servicemen recently returned from Afghanistan, will have had their own thoughts on the conflict itself. But, on the need to back those who continue to risk their lives in appalling conditions in the service of this country, they – along with the vast majority of the population – are united.