The former Tory leader delivered an impassioned speech in the House of Commons during an emergency debate on Afghanistan. Sir Iain described the move by US and British forces to return from Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban coup as a “despicable retreat” and warned the decision has “opened the door to the Chinese and the Russians”.

       The MP for Chingford and Woodford Green has urged Boris Johnson to encourage American troops to return to Afghanistan to “realise their commitment”.

       Earlier, the Prime Minister insisted it was an "illusion" to think the international military mission could have continued without US forces.

       Sir Iain stressed the UK has a duty to defend democracy and human rights in the face of oppressive regimes and claimed Taiwan could be the next to fall.

       Speaking to MPs, Sir Iain quoted a warning issued by Hu Xijin, the editor of Chinese state-affiliated Global Times, who claimed the US would no longer defend Taiwan.

       The backbench MP insisted the lack of intervention in Afghanistan has sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the West will not defend democracy.

       Sir Iain said: “The problem I have now is that the West upholding democracy, the rule of law and human rights is in retreat.

       “We have now opened the door to the Chinese and the Russians, who by the way kept their embassies open throughout the whole of this fully staffed, with permission from the Taliban.

       “You see the Chinese minister for foreign affairs now meeting the Taliban. They have now recognised the Taliban, so what are we dealing with here?

       China’s People's Liberation Army has conducted provoking drills by air and sea around the Island over the past few years – with the latest taking place on Tuesday involving 16 fighter jets.

       Speaking in the Commons, Sir Iain stressed the UK Government cannot allow the US to leave to global stage for a decade like it did following the Vietnam War.

       He said: “I criticised America for this but I know also they are our greatest allies and best hope for freedom. We need to bring them back. That is the job of the British Government, is now to bring the Americans back to realise their commitment.”

       Sir Iain insisted there was no perfect way to deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan but stated a “chaotic rush” out of the capital Kabul was not the right thing to do

       He said: “The concept of democracy and human rights is a delicate flower. It is not the natural state or being unless you defend it. And we must defend it wherever it is.

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       “Yes there are costs, there is a better way in Afghanistan but what we have done in this chaotic rush, this despicable retreat from Kabul is to enhearten and embolden those who would bring it down.

       “I remind the House that President [Ronald] Reagan when pressed about this, and I hope the US listens to this particular one he said ‘freedom is never more than a generation away from extinction – it must be fought for’.

       “We in this House take these liberties for granted. We must speak out. America must come back. And we must send a signal immediately that we must not give way to the Totalitarian states of China and Russia [they] cannot win in the end. That Islamic extremism cannot be found a bolthole.

       “Yes we want to say Taliban must step up but what will we do about it? Now we have to put means behind words – this House must make that happen.”