u.k. border. this is just over 30 minutes. >> number one, mr. speaker. >> thank you, mr. speaker. i'm sure the whole house will wish to join me in graduating the duke and duchess of cambridge on the wonderful knew they are expecting their first child. turning to my friend's question on afghanistan. the threat to global security from al qaeda has been significantly reduced and this is in large part of the brave work of u.k. and afghan armed forces. we remain committed to afghanistan for the long-term and we continue to support the development of afghan forces through continued funds and training. our contribution that aid to help the state to police its own lands. it is this part that al qaeda won't will able to re-establish itself in afghanistan. >> the taliban is being told when most of our troops are leaving and they need to be told when sanctions to expect if they help al qaeda to return. what would those sanctions be and would an allied strategic base serve to make them credible? >> i think the most important sanction for everyone to bear in mind is the fact that afghan security forces are already at a level of 335,000. they are increasely capa