HARRY Cohen MP has criticised an email from Prime Minister Gordon Brown to backbenchers trying to secure support for the war in Afghanistan.

The premier insists in the email that continuing military action is essential for the safety and security of Britain's future and attempted to rebut claims of insufficient support being offered to our troops as they serve overseas.

But Mr Cohen, the member for Leyton and Wanstead who is due to stand down at the next election over the expenses row, said the email was riddled with inaccuracies and said he still doubted the good of the war in Afghanistan for the people of Britain.

Mr Cohen said: "All those troops and all those civilians who have died – they are neglected in this letter."

"Before the election they were saying our principal reason for being in Afghanistan was to bring democracy – where is that in this letter?

"The Iraq war increased the risk of terrorism in this country. Rather than improving our safety, being in Afghanistan could make it worse."