I am extremely honoured to be the Defence Secretary, and I would not do the job if I did not think that I could make a useful contribution in the role. Bob Ainsworth contributiondefenceextremely 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
Despite the increasingly presidential style of political leadership in our country, teamwork is essential. Bob Ainsworth countryessentialincreasingly 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
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
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 armforcelife 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
I got a tooth bust by somebody who decided they didn't like me and I thought the moustache hid a scar on my lip. It's true that people were told facial hair was not appreciated by the British public, but I just decided to keep the moustache. Bob Ainsworth appreciatebritishbust share on social
Our aim is always to minimise casualties and to separate a hardline Taliban from those who have been caught up in the insurgency. Bob Ainsworth aimcasualtycatch Change image and share on social
I have always had a keen interest in defence and military history and read more on this subject than anything else. Bob Ainsworth defencehistoryinterest Change image and share on social
