McCain praises British forces after Downing Street meeting

US PRESIDENTIAL hopeful John McCain today acknowledged the "frustration" of British public opinion at the slow progress of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Speaking after talks with Gordon Brown at Downing Street, Mr McCain praised the "long service and sacrifice" of British forces.

But while he is strongly committed to the US operation in Iraq, he said it was a matter for the British Government how long the UK maintained troops there.

"I fully appreciate that British public opinion has been frustrated by sometimes our lack of progress in both areas," he said.

"All I can do is express my gratitude to the British Government and people, especially the brave young people who are serving."

Senator McCain, who is set to be confirmed as the Republicans' presidential candidate, said the US troop "surge" in Iraq had proved a success – but warned there was still more to be done.

"Al-Qaeda is on the run. They are not defeated. We're going to have to continue training the Iraqi military and do what we have been doing if we are going to achieve a stable situation in Iraq," he said.

• Eight anti-war protesters superglued themselves to the gates of a weapons factory in Brighton, East Sussex, today.