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The UK government is one of Afghanistan's closest allies and is taking a leading role to secure, rebuild and encourage lasting democracy in Afghanistan.

Over the past six years, the UK military has made substantial contributions to secure Afghanistan and its people against the Taliban and other insurgent forces. The British military has currently committed nearly 8,000 troops in Afghanistan. The UK has concentrated its troops in the Southern regions of the country and is currently working with the US, Canada and the Netherlands to lead Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Helmand, Zabul, Kandahar and Oruzgan provinces. 

The UK's military deployment has mainly been in Helmand where its operations are designed to root out insurgents. These operations are essential before Provincial Reconstruction Teams can work with the local government to facilitate reconstruction and extend power back to domestic government authorities. The UK government has spent more than $650 million in military support to Afghanistan and more than $70 million in security sector reform, which includes $20 million to support the development of the Afghan National Army and $8 million to support the Afghan National Police Forces. 

In non-military donor assistance, the UK has been a significant contributor of funds for development and reconstruction in Afghanistan. Since 2001, the UK has committed more than $2 billion in aid to the country. The UK is the largest bilateral donor to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund having pledged $1 billion in development assistance since 2002. In addition, the UK has more than $40 million to support democratic elections, which helped the country achieve 70% of registered voter participation in the 2004 presidential elections.

As Prime Minister Gordon Brown made clear in statement to Parliament after his December 2007 visit to the country, "Britain will continue to meet our obligations, honor our commitments, and discharge our duties to this task and to the people of Afghanistan."