66% support sending our soldiers in

The public strongly backs the decision of the Government to send British troops to Afghanistan, a poll showed today.

Ministers will be cheered by the findings on the day that they announce details of the military force which will fight in Afghanistan.

The MORI poll of 1,016 people at the weekend shows 66 per cent support the involvement of British troops, with 28 per cent against. More broadly, 68 per cent approve of the way Tony Blair has led Britain's response to the terrorist assaults. Only 25 per cent do not approve.

Since the immediate aftermath of 11 September the balance in favour of military strikes against Afghanistan has gone from +46 to +44, while the balance favouring the British troop involvement has gone from +54 to +38.