Wirral MEP Chris Davies is calling for British troops to be pulled off the frontline in Afghanistan. He says he is no longer convinced by the justifications given for their presence.

The Liberal Democrat has written to his party leader, Nick Clegg, saying that military action can only be approved when the objective is clear and that this is far from the case in Afghanistan.

Instead he is calling for NATO to talk with the Taliban, to press for a power-sharing agreement, and to use money as a tool to try and buy influence and curb abuses.

"I do not believe that our continuing presence in Afghanistan is making the streets of Britain any safer," said Davies.

"Al-Qaida has left and it is too easy for us now to be portrayed as an occupying force in a foreign land, fighting for one side in a civil war, and seeking to impose our cultural beliefs on others."

"This rallies radical Muslim men to the Taliban cause."

With expectations high that more troops will soon be sent to Afghanistan to help in a campaign "surge", the MEP warns that even if the Taliban are pushed back they may not be defeated.

"This is guerilla warfare. Taliban commanders can withdraw to fight another day. Local fighters can cut their beards, bury their weapons, and reappear as hard working farmers, which is what they indeed may be. But the weapons can one day be dug up again."

The MEP says that the extent of corruption and fraud in the recent elections had proved the final straw. "I detest the Taliban and its treatment of women, but I am not convinced that British soldiers should die or be maimed to support a bunch of corrupt war lords who care not a jot for human rights.

"If ever we should claim "success," how will we know if it has any meaning?" Davies claims that if Britain is to be made safer it needs to address the causes of grievance that arouses anger among many Muslims.