Defence minister does not rule out renewed action in Afghanistan

Britain and its Nato allies “reserve the right” to launch fresh military action should international terrorism flourish again in Afghanistan, according to the government.

Defence minister James Heappey left the door open for military action should “ungoverned spaces” return which pose a threat to the UK homeland or the interests of allies.

But the army veteran stressed he hoped there is a successful political outcome in Afghanistan, telling MPS it is “almost certain” that a lasting peace settlement will “involve the Taliban as part of the Afghan government”.

Several MPS used an urgent question in the Commons to raise concerns over the strategy for the country, with the UK to begin withdrawing its remaining 750 military trainers from next month.

Mr Heappey said: “If there is a return to an ungoverned space that gives succour to international terrorism that is a threat to the UK homeland or to the interests of our allies, of course we unilaterally and multilaterally through Nato reserve the right to protect our interests.”

He later added: “The alliance reserves the right to go back in if those security situations deteriorate to such extent that our national security is threatened.”