Vernon Coaker MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, responding to the end of British military command in Helmand province, said:

“Today we pay tribute to our Armed Forces who have worked in the most challenging of conditions to bring security and stability to Helmand, and especially to those Service personnel and their families who have paid the ultimate price.

“The work of our Armed Forces has made a remarkable difference to the Afghan population in Helmand, with the security they have provided allowing for the provision of education, healthcare and governance.

“However, the task is not yet over and the danger faced by those British troops who will remain in the province until December is very real. We honour the enduring professionalism of our Armed Forces in Afghanistan and their sacrifice should never be forgotten.”