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Question
Saying that Afghanistan is not a safe place is an understatement. Nearly two thirds of the Afghan population were in need of humanitarian aid by the end of last year, and the United Nations high commissioner has stated that human rights in Afghanistan are in collapse, with women facing significant restrictions. Many Afghans fled to Pakistan due to Taliban rule, awaiting resettlement to safe countries like the UK. There have been reports of deportations resuming from Pakistan back to Afghanistan since October 2023 and even those carrying valid documents could be at risk.
Minister reply
The minister reiterated assurances received from the Pakistani Government that eligible Afghans for UK resettlement schemes will not face deportation, highlighting that since November, all such individuals have been provided with identification letters from the British high commission to exempt them from detention or deportation.
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Question
It is a pleasure to be called first after five years. It seems unusual to challenge Ministers on representations made to another Government's sovereign decision, but it’s important to recognise the support received from Pakistan for ARAP and ACRS schemes throughout my tenure in the Ministry of Defence.
Minister reply
The minister agreed with James Heappey and thanked him for his work. She emphasised the continued gratitude towards Pakistan for its flexibility in facilitating these resettlement programmes, acknowledging the efforts of British high commissioner Jane Marriott and her team in Islamabad.
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Question
Congratulates the hon. Member for North East Fife on presenting the urgent question, highlighting that although Afghanistan no longer occupies the headlines, women are living under a gender apartheid, men and women who fought bravely alongside British armed services are often targeted and killed by the Taliban, and Labour is clear that we owe many Afghans a debt of gratitude. Asks how many people now require protection from repatriation back across the border; details discussions with the Pakistani Government to halt or limit returns, steps being taken to bring at-risk individuals to safety, particularly former members of the Afghan security force who are no longer in the Government, and efforts to support women and girls in Afghanistan.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges that her right hon. Friend has been a champion for those eligible for ARAP and ACRS, emphasising daily discussions between the high commission and Pakistani government; assures ongoing support from the team at the high commission for people entitled to come to the UK via the scheme.
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Question
Asks whether it is important for the Pakistani Government to continue showing flexibility so that when people entitled to resettlement in the UK show they are within our ARAP-eligible umbrella, they are protected during the process.
Minister reply
Agrees with the importance of ensuring all those eligible, having applied and being processed through the scheme have support from the team at the high commission and letters of support so that the Government of Pakistan know they are within the ARAP-eligible umbrella.
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Question
Congratulates the hon. Member for North East Fife on bringing forward this urgent question, noting that my hon. and learned Friend's Committee’s report highlights that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has referenced the Rwanda scheme as their justification for deporting Afghans back into the hands of the Taliban; asks if Afghan men and women who fought with British forces but were not brought out to safety through Operation Pitting should be sent to Rwanda.
Minister reply
Does not think it is comparable to Afghanistan, considers Rwanda a safe country as does the international community. Will continue to ensure all those who worked alongside British forces or are eligible for ACRS have protection and will bring them to the UK in due course.
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Question
Asks what safeguards the UK Government is putting in place and what conversations they are having with the Pakistan Government to make sure that Christians on the border, who may be persecuted if returned to Afghanistan, are not returned there.
Minister reply
Raises an important point, reminds the new Government of Pakistan of their international obligations around difficult issues, continues daily conversations.
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Question
Expresses concern about those forcibly taken out of Pakistan and particularly reports on Afghans born in Pakistan being packed off to Rwanda; asks how the UK can show a moral stance today when voting down an amendment preventing Afghans who supported British forces from being sent to Rwanda.
Minister reply
Congratulates the hon. Member for becoming a grandmother, emphasises commitment through ARAP and ACRS schemes, encouraging those who have not yet applied to do so.
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Question
Asks about discussions with the Pakistani high commissioner regarding the 15 April deadline to deport Afghans from Pakistan; notes that a new medical centre is opening in Bolton next week.
Minister reply
Raises an important point, emphasises daily conversations between the British high commissioner in Islamabad and senior officials here.
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Question
Asks if the Minister appreciates that while Pakistan’s policy might not be identical to Britain's Rwanda policy, it acts as encouragement for other countries when the UK sets aside international treaty obligations regarding refugees and asylum seekers.
Minister reply
Does not compare Rwanda to Afghanistan, emphasises protection through high commission and relationship with Pakistani government.
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Question
Can my right hon. Friend the Minister explain the assessment that has been made of the adequacy of the humanitarian assistance available to those at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises an important point. The UK continues to be one of the largest donors to Afghanistan in terms of humanitarian aid, with £130 million provided last year and plans for investment of around £150 million in the coming financial year.
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Question
Can I ask the right hon. Lady to give an assurance that her Department is working very closely with his Department to ensure that the applications of any potential ARAP-entitled people in Pakistan are being reassessed as quickly as possible?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman raises a valid point, and I commit to providing him with a response by the end of the day. The FCDO and MOD teams work closely together to ensure proper scrutiny of applications.
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Question
Can the Minister tell me exactly how many people are waiting for the UK Government to get their act together and process their ACRS and ARAP applications?
Minister reply
Since October last year, 5,500 individuals have been relocated through 24 charter flights. The teams in Islamabad and here continue working to bring all eligible refugees back to the UK.
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Question
Given that the ACRS is not even open—there is no phase 4 open at this moment—what numbers of people are expected? I have a constituent for whom this is really important. Can the Minister tell us the number of people she is expecting who are not in the process and who need to be accommodated?
Minister reply
The ARAP programme remains open, and we continue to work with our high commissioner and her team in Islamabad and internal teams to bring eligible refugees back.
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Question
What is the Minister’s assessment of the matter of those working in local government who may have been magistrates, and the potential reputational damage this could cause to the UK?
Minister reply
The review of further potential eligible applicants by the Ministry of Defence continues. As decisions on eligibility are made, they will support those already in the scheme.
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Question
What steps will the Government take to provide safe passage and routes for Afghans and allies to reach the UK and ensure they receive safe legal status?
Minister reply
The British high commission in Islamabad works constantly with eligible individuals to process paperwork. If there is a particular case, the MP is welcome to write to me.