Failure in Afghanistan would have profound consequences for our national security. It would undermine the NATO alliance structure that has been the bedrock of Britain's defence for the last 60 years... I will not allow this to happen on my watch. Bob Ainsworth afghanistanalliancebedrock share on social
My heroes are the non-commissioned officers. If I had another life that's what I'd be - a regimental sergeant major or a similar rank. That's where the spirit of the armed forces is. Bob Ainsworth armcommissionforce Change image and share on social
The war in Afghanistan is too important to be reduced to a political football. We are fighting there to protect our national security. We are confronting the Taliban-led insurgency to prevent terrorists returning to that country. Bob Ainsworth afghanistanconfrontcountry share on social
It's hard to find good teamwork in practice, and I have never thought that we, as a party, were any better at working as a team than the Tories, despite our core values. Bob Ainsworth corefindgood Change image and share on social
Despite the increasingly presidential style of political leadership in our country, teamwork is essential. Bob Ainsworth countryessentialincreasingly Change image and share on social
On the back benches, you can have your say but no power to do anything. Bob Ainsworth backbenchpower Change image and share on social
We cannot allow Afghanistan to become again a haven for terrorists who inspire, plan and provide support for attacks like those of 11 September 2001, of 7 July 2005 in London, and more. Bob Ainsworth afghanistanattackhaven Change image and share on social
I never expected to be Defence Secretary. It's a great privilege. Bob Ainsworth defenceexpectgreat Change image and share on social
We in the West walked away from Afghanistan at the end of the Cold War and left it as a country devastated socially and armed to the teeth. If we do that again, there will be consequences. Bob Ainsworth afghanistanarmcold Change image and share on social
We need a leader able to project his or her personality and present our policies in today's media environment. All this is true - but we also need a leader capable of building a team, inspiring loyalty from colleagues, and one genuinely open to ideas. Bob Ainsworth buildcapablecolleague share on social
