The UK is spending £270 million over three years in support of the Afghan Government's national drug control strategy (NDCS), to bring about a sustainable reduction in the cultivation, production and trafficking of opium. This includes £130 million on efforts to provide alternative legal livelihoods, introducing new, innovative and sustainable ways for farmers to make a living. The NDCS is a well balanced strategy with four key priorities—targeting the trafficker; strengthening and diversifying legal rural livelihoods; reducing demand; and developing state institutions. As Afghanistan's partner nation on counter narcotics we are helping the Afghans sharpen the implementation of the NDCS and encourage international partners to provide continued support and resources.