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Question
The UK’s response has been inadequate due to delays in aid commitment and resettlement scheme implementation. The shadow asks for details on dealing with the Taliban while supporting humanitarian aid, addressing multi-faceted crisis dimensions, and convening a conference with willing partners to cover financing.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the UK has committed £286 million in aid, already disbursing over £145 million. The government is working closely with international leaders through bodies like the UN Security Council and G7 to secure a coordinated response. We are urging international agencies and multilateral organisations such as the World Bank to unlock remaining funds.
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Question
What work is being done with regional countries like Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran for a united humanitarian response? The MP highlights children’s plight in Afghanistan.
Minister reply
Engagement includes discussions on a coordinated humanitarian approach, preventing economic collapse, and addressing women's rights. Since August, the government has engaged extensively with international partners including the UN Security Council, G20 and G7. For example, the Foreign Secretary recently met leaders in India, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to discuss Afghanistan. The Prime Minister also discussed this issue at COP26.
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Question
Thanked Friend for securing important urgent question; situation in Afghanistan perilous, health clinics without funds, public services decimated. Over 97% of population below poverty line, almost 23 million teetering on starvation. Urgently need to convene pledging conference to pressure international community. What dialogue with Taliban for humanitarian access?
Minister reply
Concerned about economic contraction and rising costs; disbursed over £145 million in humanitarian support. Working through UN appeal, ensuring aid reaches most vulnerable via trusted partners like World Food Programme, International Committee of the Red Cross. Led on sanctions carve-out to ensure delivery of humanitarian aid can continue.
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Question
Asked not to refer to child slavery as marriage; asked about conversations with Pakistan taking Afghan refugees and ensuring understanding of liberal democracy. Asked for assurances on enabling more women at risk to survive so they can help aid programme.
Minister reply
In regular contact with neighbouring countries, including £30 million allocated to respond to crisis impact. Committed to ensuring half the aid reaches women and girls; met NGOs representing both women's/girls' organisations and LGBT organisations for feedback.
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Question
Noted known humanitarian crisis before withdrawal, UN estimate of 5% daily food sufficiency in September; asked if funds pledged will reach those in need. Asked for confirmation on new money donated beyond previous announcements.
Minister reply
Between April and December 2021, disbursed over £145 million including £135 million in lifesaving humanitarian support inside Afghanistan and £10 million to neighbouring countries; working quickly to allocate remainder of £286 million.
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Question
Asked about UN appeal for $4.4 billion, commitments and aid provided since end of Operation Pitting.
Minister reply
Between April and December 2021, disbursed over £145 million including £135 million in lifesaving humanitarian support inside Afghanistan and £10 million to neighbouring countries.
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Question
Asked about funding emergency organisations such as World Food Programme; steps taken to unfreeze assets, ensure financial transactions linked to humanitarian aid are excluded from international sanctions.
Minister reply
£135 million of our aid has gone by end of December. No funds go directly to Taliban but through trusted partners; working closely with multilateral organisations, banks and NGOs to address challenges. Emphasised importance of unlocking $1.2 billion within World Bank.
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Question
Congratulates the hon. Member for Norwich South on securing an urgent question, raises concern over education crisis in Afghanistan following Taliban takeover and asks about government efforts to support teachers' salaries and sustain education.
Minister reply
Commits to girls’ education globally, continues emergency funding through UN system, multilateral funding channels including Education Cannot Wait and the Global Partnership for Education. Schools are due to reopen in March; scheduled meeting with Save the Children planned.
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Question
Expresses concern over Taliban regime’s impact on Afghanistan, raises issue of unfreezing state assets and lifting sanctions for economic recovery.
Minister reply
Agrees with sentiment; focuses on aid and international response. UN appeal launched for winter assistance; pressing Taliban to ensure girls return to school and respect marginal groups.
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Question
Raises issue of collapsed Afghan economy affecting food affordability despite well-stocked markets, asks about further measures to help economic recovery.
Minister reply
Works closely with World Bank and UN; plans to reallocate £286 million in response to UN appeal; seeks solutions for NGOs’ access to currency.
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Question
Critiques UK Government’s bureaucratic approach delaying NGO aid, calls for more flexible and timely disbursement of funds.
Minister reply
Announces over £145 million disbursed; committed to unlocking World Bank funding. Recognises need to reduce bureaucracy; ensures no funds go directly to Taliban.
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Question
Highlights ongoing issue of families assisted by UK trapped in Afghanistan, asks about action to facilitate their resettlement.
Minister reply
Announces Afghan citizens resettlement scheme aiming for 5,000 people; prioritises women’s rights activists, journalists and prosecutors.
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Question
Criticises UK Government's handling of evacuation efforts and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Operation Pitting’s success; evacuated around 15,000 people including nearly 1,300 since the operation concluded.
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Question
Raises concern over lack of assistance for relatives of British nationals trapped in Afghanistan facing dire circumstances.
Minister reply
Commits to working with international partners on humanitarian aid; encourages MPs to work with Minister for Afghan Resettlement.
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Question
Asks Foreign Secretary about convening an Afghan rescue conference as suggested by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Minister reply
Commits to working with UN on appeal; further announcements planned in support of UN-led efforts.
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Question
The situation in Afghanistan is dire, with refugees at risk. Could the Minister expedite evacuation and resettlement of Afghans who are relatives of UK constituents?
Minister reply
We are leading international efforts to address the crisis through collaboration with the UN and World Bank. The Government urges support for these efforts.
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Question
How has the UK Government engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding refugees, and will there be a pathway to referral from MPs' offices?
Minister reply
The Home Office leads on referrals. The Government is working on unlocking World Bank funding for humanitarian aid.
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Question
What additional plans do the Government have to address the crisis in Afghanistan, given that current efforts are not sufficient?
Minister reply
The UK is collaborating with international partners to unlock World Bank funding and improve aid distribution through NGOs.
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Question
Will the Government engage democratically elected Members of the Afghan Parliament who are now spread across the world?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of engaging with those who understand local communities but does not provide specific details.
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Question
How is the UK Government working with faith and community leaders to support humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan?
Minister reply
The Government matches donations from British people. The Minister will discuss ways to engage more effectively with faith and community leaders.
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Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
Will the Minister look into a specific case of a constituent's sister, who worked with UK/NATO special forces and is now at risk?
Minister reply
The Minister will forward the case to the relevant authorities but stresses that eligibility must be confirmed through established schemes.
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Question
Does the Minister agree that more needs to be done to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and will she support an international conference of 68 nations?
Minister reply
The Government supports UN efforts but cannot commit to further specific actions without additional details.
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Question
How can the Minister ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most, given the urgent situation?
Minister reply
Aid is being distributed through UN organisations and ICRC/ICRC to ensure it reaches those in dire need.