I would very much agree with Mike Smithson’s and Mark Littlewood’s postings that the Party has been slow to admit that Afghanistan is unwinnable. Hounslow Liberal Democrats has submitted motions twice this year to Conference Committee calling for a managed withdrawal of all UK combat troops from Afghanistan.

Now we have an Emergency Motion in for consideration asking Conference to call for a managed withdrawal by the end of 2010.

The Russians found Afghanistan unconquerable. The US/UK/NATO are faring no better, nor is there any sign of so doing in the forseeable future. It is an unwinnable situation which we cannot afford in terms of UK soldiers’ and Afghani lives – nor can our fragile economy bear it.

Just think how many lives might have been saved – Afghani, British and Allies – if Nick Clegg had managed to influence the Government way back in March when we first proposed a discussion. If we are to remain a party that prides itself on freedom of speech and our internal democracy, now must be the time to allow the grassroots to debate this major issue of our times at conference.