Afghan war success 'vital for NATO'

The next head of the Army has said Britain's involvement in Afghanistan could last for up to 40 years.

General Sir David Richards, who becomes the Chief of the General Staff at the end of this month, said while the role of the army will change over time, the whole process of nation-building will take much longer.

But Shadow Defence Minister Gerald Howarth has said it is vital for the future of NATO to win the war.