Huddersfield MP presses for debate on conflict

Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) said he did not believe Britain should “cut and run” from the United Kingdom mission in the country but said this week’s events should bring the war back on to Parliament’s agenda.

Speaking during Business Questions in the Commons yesterday, Labour MP Mr Sheerman said: “The whole House was yesterday shocked and stunned to hear of the death of six soldiers, young men, in Afghanistan.

“It was particularly hard hitting for Yorkshire where five of those young men came from and three from my own constituency of Huddersfield.

“Is it time for us to have a serious, thoughtful debate about what is going on in Afghanistan? You will know I’m not one to say cut and run because those young men gave their lives to a great cause. But it is time for a mature reflection.”

Leader of the House Sir George Young said: “I understand the sentiments express by you, which are shared on all sides of the House.

“The Foreign Secretary (William Hague) is giving evidence today before a select committee and I’ve no doubt he will be cross questioned on these issues. We do regular quarterly statements on Afghanistan from the Foreign Secretary or the Defence Secretary (Philip Hammond) so it will be an opportunity to raise those issues.

“There may be an opportunity for a more general debate on foreign affairs if the back bench business committee can find time for one.”

Labour MP Paul Flynn (Newport West) called for a debate on the specific threats the Taliban pose to the UK in the wake of this week’s deaths.