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David Cameron has pledged to introduce a "fairer" system of leave for British soldiers as he visited Afghanistan.
The Conservative leader and shadow foreign secretary William Hague were at the British Lashkar Gah base in Helmand province, where they breakfasted with troops.
Cameron called for leave to begin when personnel arrive home - rather than when they leave an operation.
Flights back from Afghanistan can be delayed for days before reaching the UK, leading to "lost leave".
Cameron, who was visiting the country for the third time since becoming leader of the party, said: "I think this is fair for our troops.
"They should be able to predict how long their leave is going to be rather than having to spend it on an aeroplane and on air bases a long way from home."
Cameron said there had been "progress" in Afghanistan, but added that there were still concerns such as a shortage of helicopters and the unwillingness of some Nato countries to play their full part in operations.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd