Gordon Brown Unveils New Plan to Target 'crucible of Terrorism'

Gordon Brown today signaled a shift in the UK strategy for Afghanistan, announcing that greater effort will be directed towards the border with Pakistan, which he described as "a crucible for terrorism" responsible for fostering two-thirds of terror threats faced by the UK.

Brown was speaking on his first visit to Afghanistan since announcing troop reinforcements for the country at the Nato summit at the end of March.

His warning today mirrors the new strategy adopted by the US since Barack Obama became president. It places the Afghanistan-Pakistan border as central to the UK's future operations in the region.

Brown said: "There is a crucible of terrorism in the mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our approach to those countries is different but must be complementary. Our strategy for dealing with this breeding ground of terrorism will mean more security on the streets of Britain."

Brown will announce the official strategy to the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The UK will send 900 extra troops in addition to £50m of aid to help the Afghans with their upcoming election. Brown will also redirect existing aid to Pakistan. Of the £655m package over four years – the UK's second largest aid budget – half will be directed to the troubled northern areas of Pakistan.

On a visit to Helmand province, Brown took part in a Shura – local gathering – with the governor of Helmand province. He also met the heads of local police and army units. He addressed a gathering of around 50 British troops, thanking them for their work. Sir Jock Stirrup, the head of the army, is traveling with the prime minister.