Petition · past parliament
Hold a public inquiry into the Afghan Campaign, particularly Helmand.
Closed
176 signatures
What the petition asks
The Iraq war started in Mar 03, ending Apr 09. 2 months later the PM announced an inquiry that took 6 yrs. The Afghan conflict lasted 13 yrs, so a similar inquiry might last 15 yrs, meaning it might report ~30 years after the start of the conflict. It is time for an inquiry.
Current UK Defence Doctrine (JDP 0-01, 5th edition), shows the First Principle of War to be, (as it has been for years) the "Selection and Maintenance of the Aim".
Expanding into Helmand, to destroy poppies, open markets and allow girls to go to school, whilst noble, ignored this principle and the UK death toll rose from 6 to 457.
The MOD refuse, citing an ongoing training task. More evidence is on Parliament's website: https://www.parliament.uk/documents/180508%20Chair%20to%20PM%20re%20Afganistan%20with%20letter%20from%20R%20Hollington.pdf
Expanding into Helmand, to destroy poppies, open markets and allow girls to go to school, whilst noble, ignored this principle and the UK death toll rose from 6 to 457.
The MOD refuse, citing an ongoing training task. More evidence is on Parliament's website: https://www.parliament.uk/documents/180508%20Chair%20to%20PM%20re%20Afganistan%20with%20letter%20from%20R%20Hollington.pdf
Timeline
| 18 May 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 18 Nov 2018 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
176
Status
Closed
Opened
18 May 2018
Closed
18 Nov 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.