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Why is the UK in Afghanistan?

Afghan child with kettle (FCO image)The UK is engaged in Afghanistan because it became a source of terrorism that threatened Britain and the rest of the world. The Taliban gave safe haven to Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, which allowed terrorists to plan and carry out terrorist attacks around the world.

The United Nations authorised international military intervention led by NATO, because terrorism is a security threat we all share. To find out more about the international community’s mission in Afghanistan, visit International framework.

Ridding Afghanistan of the brutal Taliban regime and expelling Al Qaeda was the first part of the job. The second is to make sure they cannot return.

Our role in Afghanistan represents an enormous challenge for Britain and the international community, and it remains the UK Government’s number one foreign policy priority.

UK action in Afghanistan focuses on strengthening Afghan leadership and governance, building security and promoting development.

We're working in close partnership with the international community and the Afghan government. The shared goal remains a stable and secure Afghanistan. ISAF partners will stay in Afghanistan until the job is done, working to transfer control to Afghan forces district by district.

The UK's strategy reflects the international, historical and geographical context to Afghanistan. The pages in this section set out this context, along with our progress and next steps.

International framework

A burqa-clad Afghan woman carries her child as she walks past a United Nations vehicle in Kabul (AFP/Getty images)

The UK is in Afghanistan as part of the international community's larger efforts to build a safe and secure Afghanistan

UK in Helmand

Provincial reconstruction Team's (PRT) Shamalan canal project, whichsecured drinking and irrigation water for 75,000 people downstream andemployed 900 local workers at its peak (UK in Afghanistan image)

The Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) is helping to deliver effective government and security in Helmand Province

UK strategy and resources

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Afghan President Hamid Karzai meet Afghan and British troops at Kandahar Airbase (AFP/Getty images)

In April 2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown updated the UK's strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

Afghanistan and Pakistan

Prime Minister Gordon shakes hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani at 10 Downing Street (AFP/Getty images)

The Government's strategy on Afghanistan and Pakistan sets out an integrated approach across both countries

Progress and next steps

Afghan girls in traditional dress (FCO image)

Find out about progress and next steps in Afghanistan