The UK has pulled back from further troop deployments in Afghanistan amid reports of a rift with the US over the presence of Western ground forces once the Taliban have been defeated.

The Mirror's front page "voice" takes issue with president Bush. "Do not dither with our boys Mr president," runs the headline to an editorial attacking the US for its lack of leadership on the issue of ground troops.

A Guardian ICM poll finds that 51 per cent support the West's bombing campaign in Afghanistan. Overall backing for military action is running at 66 per cent with most believing that the UK is in for the long haul.