Poll: British support Afghan war

LONDON, July 13 (UPI) -- Support for the war in Afghanistan among Britons has not wavered even after eight soldiers were killed in 24 hours, a poll released Sunday indicated.

The ICM poll for the Guardian and the BBC's Newsnight showed opposition to the war, at 47 percent, is just slightly higher than support, at 46 percent.

Suport for Britain's role in Afghanistan has grown since the last previous ICM poll, conducted in 2006. Support has risen from 31 percent three years ago while opposition has fallen six points since 2006.

The poll findings were released just as ministers are drawing up plans to devote more troops and resources to Afghanistan -- a change from previous policy of dismissing requests for reinforcements. The change comes despite a rising death toll, outspoken criticism from the opposition and the prospect of a long entanglement.