Never forget

Sadly, the threat to British servicemen and women around the world, as well as to people living on this island, seems only to be increasing. The stark warning by General Sir David Richards, the new head of the Armed Forces, that al-Qaida and militant Islam cannot be defeated will excite controversy but there is sense in what he said. That's why a vigorous containment of extremist groups is a reasonable goal, because the proponents of a warped and wicked doctrine will never offer a traditional surrender.

The general is not being defeatist, as some might suggest, and he owes it to all those serving under him to be honest about the nature of the fight.

Progress has been made in Iraq since the troop surge of 2007 and although the conflict in Afghanistan remains bloody, Sir David is right to say that "it's all to play for". His words should bolster those on the front line in their daily acts of heroism against those who threaten freedom.

So too should the visit of Prince William to Helmand Province. His decision to lay a wreath there is a recognition of all those who have died fighting militant Islam, as well as of his own brother's service in Afghanistan and the status of that fragmented nation as the crucible of the war on extremism.

The size of Britain's role in the fight against al-Qaida and its sympathisers will change over the coming years, but it is a battle set to go on for decades.

It is in the knowledge of this that we must continue to oppose those fanatics who threaten our way of life and why we

must never forget those who died in the defence of freedom.