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
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
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
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
I'll tell you what I do have: I have a good feel for ordinary people, for politics, and those are my strengths. I understand, I hope instinctively, where many of our Armed Forces come from. Bob Ainsworth armfeelforce Change image and share on social
