Brown defends Afghan operation

Gordon Brown has defended the continuing military action in Afghanistan, insisting that the operation is key to security at home and that the UK "cannot, must not and will not walk away".

But he warned President Karzai that he was not prepared to risk the lives of British soldiers for a government that did not stand up to corruption.

Meanwhile, there was also fierce criticism of Mr Brown from former Chiefs of the Defence Staff who claimed front line troops were starting to doubt the government's commitment.

Carole Walker reports.