Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Defence

I am not sure that my hon. Friend the Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox), or anyone else, can recall that particular speech. No doubt we can sort out that point. The advice that we would give to President Obama—indeed, we have given it to the US Administration—is the advice that I set out a few moments ago, when I spoke of the four essential aspects of a strategy in Afghanistan. They include an enhanced ability to conduct proper counter-insurgency operations that protect and win over the local population. Clearly, it is the view of the US military—and, I think, the UK military—that that requires a higher number of troops from the United States. I would be surprised if that were not part of President Obama's announcement.