By Tony Grew - 29th September 2009
British troops fighting in Afghanistan need the country behind them, the defence secretary has said.
Speaking to ePolitix.com at a Dods fringe event for the Royal British Legion, Bob Ainsworth said the war in Afghanistan is vital to the UK's security.
He said the public is "right" to be concerned about the situation.
"We have lost a lot of people in Afghanistan, so we need to reassure people," Ainsworth said.
"We need to make sure, for the sake of the troops that are out there but also for the sake of the Afghan people and our national security, that we maintain support back here in the country.
"The troops can't fight unless they know they have the country behind them."
Ainsworth also praised business secretary Lord Mandelson, whose speech to conference on Monday energised the party faithful.
"I have always found him really easy to work with and a real help," he said.
"When there is stuff going on he is one of those guys who is on the phone saying 'what's the story, how can I help?'"
Ainsworth is due to address the Brighton conference on Thursday morning.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd