Britain to Boost Afghan Force to 8,030 - Minister

`As a result of a recent review I have approved the removal of around 400 posts from the Afghan operational establishment,` Browne said.

Britain will increase its force in Afghanistan by 230, taking the total number of British troops there to 8,030, Defence Secretary Des Browne told parliament on Monday.

"As a result of a recent review I have approved the removal of around 400 posts from the Afghan operational establishment. These posts are no longer required to the organisation and the changed nature of the situation," he said.

"At the same time, we have identified a requirement for, in total, 630 new posts creating a net increase in our forces in Afghanistan of some 230 personnel to around 8,030 by spring 2009," Browne said.

He said that while it was not a significant increase it did show the force was expanding and would boost the military's commitment to development in Afghanistan.