HUDDERSFIELD MP Barry Sheerman today urged a fresh Commons debate on the military campaign in the country.

Mr Sheerman said he did not believe Britain should "cut and run" from the United Kingdom mission in the country but said this week's events should bring the war back on to Parliament's agenda.

Sergeant Nigel Coupe, 33, of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, and Corporal Jake Hartley, 20, Private Anthony Frampton, 20, Private Christopher Kershaw, 20, Private Daniel Wade, 20, and Private Daniel Wilford, 21, all of 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, died when their armoured Warrior vehicle was hit by an apparent improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province on Tuesday evening.  

Cpl Hartley was from Earlsheaton, Pte Frampton from Longwood and Pte Wilford from Cowlersley.  

Speaking during Business Questions in the Commons today, Labour MP Mr Sheerman said: "The whole House was yesterday shocked and stunned to hear of the death of six soldiers, young men, in Afghanistan.

"It was particularly hard hitting for Yorkshire where five of those young men came from and three from my own constituency of Huddersfield.

"Is it time for us to have a serious, thoughtful debate about what is going on in Afghanistan? You will know I'm not one to say cut and run because those young men gave their lives to a great cause. But it is time for a mature reflection."

Leader of the House Sir George Young said: "I understand the sentiments express by you, which are shared on all sides of the House.

"The Foreign Secretary (William Hague) is giving evidence today before a select committee and I've no doubt he will be cross questioned on these issues. "We do regular quarterly statements on Afghanistan from the Foreign Secretary or the Defence Secretary (Philip Hammond) so it will be an opportunity to raise those issues.



"There may be an opportunity for a more general debate on foreign affairs if the back bench business committee can find time for one."

Labour MP Paul Flynn (Newport West) called for a debate on the specific threats the Taliban pose to the UK in the wake of this week's deaths.

He said: "The main justification given yesterday by Government ministers of our continuing presence in Afghanistan was continued protection of the United Kingdom against Taliban terrorist attacks.

"Could we have a debate so the Government may present to us and the nation the evidence of Taliban plans for terrorist attacks on the United Kingdom, in order to ensure the country knows there is some good reason
for our continuing presence there and that it is not being done for the convenience of politicians.

"Our brave troops should not be in Afghanistan for a day longer than necessary."

Sir George replied: "Afghanistan was a failed state in which al Qaida were allowed to flourish and launch deadly attacks against citizens of other countries, including this one.

"We have an interest in ensuring Afghanistan no longer is a failed state but is a state which can police and look after itself.

"That is why we are there. There are many opportunities to cross examine ministers on this subject."