Gordon Brown today insisted the UK is winning the war in Afghanistan despite a surge in the deaths of British soldiers.

The Prime Minister claims troop morale remains high despite the deaths of eight soldiers in the space of 24 hours.

In a letter to senior MPs Brown acknowledged the ‘tragic loss’, but said current operations against the Taliban were succeeding.

The death toll in Afghanistan since combat began in 2001 has now reached 184, overtaking the 179 killed in Iraq.

Fifteen soldiers have died in the last ten days following the launch of Operation Panther’s Claw, which aims to rid Helmand of Taleban insurgents ahead of the presidential elections.

Writing to the Commons Liaison Committee Brown said: “Despite the tragic losses, morale remains high - and I can report the assessment of commanders on the ground: that the current operations are succeeding in their objectives.”

“They are having a marked impact on the Taliban in central Helmand, will improve security for the population in the run up to the elections, and will allow longer term work on governance and development to begin.”

The escalating death toll has led to questions over the UK armed forces’ continuing presence in the country.

Brown said securing Afghanistan was essential to prevent the ‘return of al Qaida’.

He said: “While I know there are some who have questioned our strategy, I continue to believe our strategy is the right one,” he said.

“It has been a very difficult summer and it is not over. But if we are to deny Helmand to the Taliban in the long term; if we are to help Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat this vicious insurgency and prevent the return of al Qaida - then it is vital that the international community sees its commitment through.”

Earlier today foreign secretary David Miliband also stressed the importance of staying in Afghanistan saying the ‘future of Britain’ was dependant on victory.

Five soldiers from the Battalion The Rifles were killed in two blasts near Sangin yesterday, just hours after another soldier 2nd Royal Tank Regiment had died near Nad Ali in Helmand.

The evening before one solider, of the 4th Battalion The Rifles, also on foot patrol near Nad Ali, were killed by hidden explosive devices, while a second, from Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, was shot down near Lashkar Gah.

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