“But are we putting every bit of effort and resource into getting there as quickly as possible? Yes we are.”

But the remarks were branded “a joke” and “very worrying” by the mothers of two Midland soldiers killed in Afghanistan in the past year.

Karen Waspe, whose 33-year-old son Rob Deering, from Solihull, was killed in Afghanistan last year, said: “It is very worrying that the Government doesn’t have a masterplan so there can be some kind of end to this war.

“Rob fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan and said while he felt he was making a difference in Iraq he thought what was happening in Afghanistan was futile.

“It’s very disheartening for the troops risking their lives.

“Should we pull out of Afghanistan now? I think, if we do all those deaths will be in vain, but if we stay, how many more of our guys will be killed?”

A recent Comres survey showed 64 per cent of people think the war is “unwinnable”, with 63 per cent saying British troops should be withdrawn as quickly as possible.

Caroline Munday, from Coleshill, whose 21-year old son James, was killed in action last year, said: “I fear the Government are wavering.

“They have never had a plan for Afghanistan and I don’t think they have any idea how we can win the war out there.

“It is an absolute joke for them to say that individual members of the Taliban can be part of the future of the country as long as they renounce violence.”

Find out how to ask your questions of Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell.