David Cameron confirms 400 troops will be coming home from Afghanistan

THE UK is to press ahead with pulling out 400 troops from Afghanistan by February next year, despite opposition from the United States, David Cameron has confirmed.

Speaking to the Commons liaison committee, the Prime Minister insisted that his government had been consistent with its plans to start a withdrawal from the war-torn country, but would be maintaining levels of about 9,500 troops.

He said: "This year there will be some troops coming home. Our enduring force level remains at 9,500, but, as you know, our force level has been above that if you include special forces and some of the extra operations we have undertaken.

"If you look at things like what is happening with the troops that went in to guard the airport at Kandahar and also some people involved in the air bridge and some people involved in the rapid reaction force, there will be around 400, slightly more, troops coming out of Afghanistan in the coming year up to February 2012."

The Prime Minister was making his second appearance before the committee and came under pressure over comments made by the three heads of armed services last week when they raised questions over Britain's capability.

Mr Cameron admitted to "robust" discussions with generals.