NATO must expand allied forces in Afghanistan when it takes over control, a group of women MPs has warned.

The 25 Labour and Liberal Democrat female MPs have called for NATO to step up efforts to stabilise areas outside Kabul.

NATO is set to assume leadership of the International Security Force in Afghanistan which is helping the country's president Hamed Karzai establish control.

Currently his power is restricted outside of the country's capital because regional leaders have not relinquished control of key locations and major transport routes.

Karzai has lobbied for more resources - but to date this has not been successful.

Currently only three World Food Programme missions are allowed each week into the Taliban stronghold of the Kandahar province .

In a letter to NATO secretary general Lord Robertson, the MPs highlighted the fact that nearly 80 groups helping to rebuild the country had issued a joint statement urging ISAF to increase its presence beyond the country's capital.

"In the past six months, security in Afghanistan has deteriorated and violence against civilians has increased,"said Labour MP Joan Ruddock, who has visited the country.

"This fragile situation hampers relief and reconstruction efforts and limits the ability of the transitional authority to exercise its powers in the provinces.

"We hope that in taking on this vital new role, NATO will be mindful of the situation outside Kabul."