EU not sending enough troops to Afghanistan, says minister

Britain today criticised European countries for not providing a fair share of troops for the battle in Afghanistan.

Defence Secretary John Hutton backed Barack Obama's demand for reinforcements, saying it was unfair for the US to do "all the heavy lifting".

He added: "The ball is absolutely in Europe's court now."

America is sending an extra 17,000 soldiers to fight against the Taliban insurgents, raising its total force there to more than 50,000.

Britain is the second biggest contributor, with 8,000 troops fighting in the most bloody battles in the dangerous southern region.

The rest of Europe put together has contributed about 22,000 troops but most are on peacekeeping duties.

Mr Hutton said that Britain had not yet been asked by America to provide more troops but added: "My initial view is it is for others to make further contributions The European members of Nato need to do more."

But in Whitehall there is scepticism European countries will send more and President Obama will ask Britain to help fill the gap.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates today appealed to Nato defence ministers for more support and said: "There clearly will be expectations that the allies must do more as well."