← Back to House of Commons Debates
Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis
12 January 2022
Lead MP
Vicky Ford
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ClimateForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 24
At a Glance
Vicky Ford raised concerns about afghanistan: humanitarian crisis in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Afghanistan is facing a serious humanitarian crisis, with over 23 million people experiencing acute food insecurity. The UN has requested nearly $4.5 billion for 2022 to address this unprecedented situation. The UK has committed £286 million in aid, already disbursing over £145 million, to support more than 3.4 million people with emergency services like food, healthcare, and protection. The government aims to allocate the remaining funding soon based on the new UN appeal. Additionally, efforts are being made to ensure women, girls, and marginalised groups have safe access to aid. Aid workers face challenges due to banking system issues but continue to make progress. The World Bank has transferred £280 million for humanitarian support, with plans to allocate an additional $1.2 billion remaining in the fund.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
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.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
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.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
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.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
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.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
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.
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.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
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.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
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.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
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.
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.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
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.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
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.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
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.
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.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
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.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
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.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
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.
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.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
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.
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.
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.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Shadow Comment
Clive Lewis
Shadow Comment
Afghanistan's crisis combines war, climate change, and viral outbreaks, creating a severe feedback loop impacting vulnerable populations. The UK's response has been inadequate; aid commitment for 2021 was lower than in 2019, and it took five months to establish the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme. More funding is needed now or else conditions will worsen next year with increased suffering. Given past military spending of £27.7 billion, the UK must step up its commitment to meet the UN appeal's $4.4 billion request. The shadow calls for convening a conference with the US, EU and other partners to secure new financing.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.