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Afghanistan
06 September 2021
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationNHSDefenceForeign AffairsMental Health
Other Contributors: 60
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about afghanistan 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
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, updated the House on the UK's response to the situation in Afghanistan. He highlighted that the evacuation operation, codenamed Op Pitting, successfully brought 15,000 people to safety over a two-week period and facilitated the evacuation of thousands more for other countries. The minister praised the efforts of British armed forces, diplomats, and civil servants who completed one of the most spectacular operations in recent military history despite harrowing conditions. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by UK servicemen and women over the last two decades and emphasised the commitment to provide sanctuary for Afghan friends who helped Britain during its presence there. The Prime Minister announced an additional £5 million investment towards military charities and a separate resettlement programme providing up to 20,000 Afghans with indefinite leave to remain in the UK within the coming years, including 5,000 in the first year. He also mentioned the launch of Operation Warm Welcome to support Afghan evacuees beginning their new lives in the country.
Keir Hardie
Lab
Bolsover
Question
Sir Keir questioned the Government's failure to identify and evacuate all eligible individuals before the fall of Kabul. He also asked about the number of UK nationals and Afghans left behind who were eligible under the ARAP scheme.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced but did not provide a specific figure for those left behind, emphasising ongoing efforts to secure safe passage for them.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds Central
Question
Hilary Benn criticised the lack of preparation and leadership from the Government during the evacuation process. He questioned how many Afghans had been left behind and sought assurances on future plans for their safe passage.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister stated that he will work towards securing international agreements to facilitate safe passage for those still in Afghanistan, without giving specific details of current plans.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
The MP thanked the Prime Minister for his statement but criticised the lack of leadership and planning by the Government, pointing out that only a third of eligible individuals under the ARAP scheme were processed. He highlighted significant delays in the evacuation process and urged recognition and support for those involved.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister defended the Government's actions as remarkable military and logistical feats, acknowledging that 3,400 people had been evacuated by the end of August. Despite criticism, he emphasised the ongoing efforts to ensure safe passage out of Afghanistan.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Question
The MP asked if Britain should take on a leadership role in NATO and other international forums in light of America’s isolationist foreign policy, highlighting the limits of UK influence. He suggested that this would require an overhaul of Whitehall to improve strategic thinking.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledged his colleague's service and understanding but defended Britain's continued leadership within NATO and other international forums such as the G7, P5, and others.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Question
May I thank all those who assisted in the evacuation from Afghanistan over the past few weeks? May I also thank the Prime Minister for the advance copy of his statement? Normally we have a Cabinet Minister sent to the House to cover for the Prime Minister, but today we have before us the Prime Minister desperately trying to cover for a Foreign Secretary who should have been sacked weeks ago. In Committee last week, the Foreign Secretary failed to answer even basic questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow South (Stewart Malcolm McDonald). I genuinely hope that the Prime Minister is better prepared today. There is barely an MP in this House who has not submitted urgent and sensitive information to the Foreign Office on UK and Afghan nationals desperate to find safe passage away from the Taliban. It is a disgrace that most of these urgent queries have been left unresolved and unanswered. So let me ask the Prime Minister: what assessment has been made of the number of UK nationals left in Afghanistan, and what plans are there to assist them? How many Afghans who qualify under the ARAP scheme as interpreters or in other groups have been left behind? Will the Prime Minister apologise to those who have been left behind, left high and dry—those the UK has a responsibility to?
Minister reply
I am always happy to meet representatives of the Scottish Government and other devolved Administrations. The right hon. Gentleman asked some specific questions about the handling of requests from those still in Afghanistan and those who have been interceding on their behalf. I can tell him that by close of play today every single one of the emails from colleagues around this House will be answered—thousands and thousands have already been done. As for the question of how many ARAP candidates are remaining, I can tell him that the total number is 311, of whom 192 responded to the calls that were put out. I repeat that we will do absolutely everything we can to ensure that those people get the safe passage that they deserve.
Theresa May
Con
Maidenhead
Question
I join my right hon. Friend in commending all those involved with the Afghanistan airlift and all those of our armed forces who served in Afghanistan, 457 of whom, sadly, as we know, paid the ultimate sacrifice. We should all be proud of their achievements. Does he agree that as a result of NATO forces withdrawing from Afghanistan, the terrorist threat has increased? Will he confirm that all those involved in counter-terrorism work here in the UK will be given the necessary support to ensure that they can keep us safe?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for her question. I know how much work she has done in her career to protect this country and to counter terrorism. As yet, we have no direct information on any increase in the threat, but I assure my right hon. Friend and the House that every effort will be made to make sure that our counter-terrorist agents have the resources they need to keep us safe.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
I have received hundreds of emails about Afghanistan from constituents, and I have British national constituents—a husband and his pregnant wife—in Afghanistan. What discussions have the Government had with Afghanistan’s neighbours about keeping borders open for those at risk under the Taliban and supporting refugees?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has been talking to the Government in Pakistan and other regional countries about what we can do to assist them, as I have described. As the hon. Lady knows, in addition to the ARAP programme we have the Afghan settlement programme, which will run up to 20,000 over the next few years.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Question
First, I pay tribute to the Prime Minister for his increased funding for mental health care for veterans. I am sure he will keep that sum under review, in case it should need to rise. Will the Prime Minister draw on the lesson that he has already learned from the appointment of the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Louth and Horncastle (Victoria Atkins), as a single point of contact in the UK, and seek to have a single point of contact for those in Afghanistan who may need to access either the route to exit or support from Her Majesty’s Government?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is quite right that the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Louth and Horncastle, is the single point of contact on which people should focus.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
We all saw the horrific carnage outside Kabul airport, where more than 180 people were killed. I join the Prime Minister in remembering all those victims, not least the two British nationals and the child of a British national. That airport atrocity was the work of the terrorist organisation ISIS-K. Everyone agrees that we must now work to prevent ISIS-K from becoming a threat to the British people, yet under this Prime Minister’s watch he has not only failed to agree a co-ordinated international strategy to take on ISIS-K but failed even to proscribe ISIS-K as a terrorist organisation, unlike other Five Eyes countries. Will the Prime Minister explain these failures on national security?
Minister reply
I am afraid the right hon. Gentleman is in error. ISIS-K—ISIS Khorasan Province—is a subset of Daesh. It is part of Daesh. As he knows very well, one of the bitter ironies of the situation is that the Taliban themselves are no friends to ISIS-K, and whatever Government there is in Kabul will need help to fight them.
Question
We are proving our immense generosity by supporting those in dire need in Afghanistan with safe passage to the UK, but our ability to do so is strained by the continuing uncontrolled illegal migration across the English channel. What more can the Government do to prevent it?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is completely right. The issue is that, very sadly, our friends across the channel in France are faced with a very difficult problem: large numbers of people who want to come to this country. We are doing everything we can to encourage the French to do the necessary and impede their passage. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is working round the clock to ensure that we not only encourage the French to stiffen their sinews and stop people making the journey but use every possible tactic available to us.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
May I raise a constituency matter with the Prime Minister? More than 800 local Afghani families have contacted me about their concerns over their relatives in Afghanistan. The thousands who are coming to this country are largely coming in through Heathrow and being quarantined in about seven hotels in my constituency. There is real anxiety, given the performance in the past on asylum seekers in hotels in my constituency, that those people could be trapped in those hotels for quite a long time to come. I would like the Prime Minister to arrange a meeting with myself and the relevant Minister or officials to discuss the plan to support those families—like everybody else, I welcome them, as do those in my community—but also the long-term relocation plan to make sure that they have all that they need to settle here for the future.
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to the issue. Some councils have responded magnificently, notably in the east midlands and elsewhere. I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is putting substantial funding in place, but if the right hon. Gentleman wants a further meeting, I have no doubt that the relevant Minister will be only too happy to oblige.
Question
I am working with incredible Stroud constituents who are dedicating their time to helping Afghan families under threat. These people are in hiding. The Taliban have been going door to door looking for them. Border options are dangerous and constantly changing. They are absolutely terrified. Will the Prime Minister help me to show those families that they should not lose hope and help us as MPs to provide timely and credible information about safe passage options?
Minister reply
Yes, of course. My hon. Friend is entirely right in what she says. That is why we are going to continue to put all the pressure that we can on the Taliban to ensure safe passage for the groups that I have described.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
May I join the tributes to our armed forces who have worked so hard? There are still people being persecuted and hunted by the Taliban because they worked for the UK Government, but through contractors, not as direct employees. They have not had replies to their ARAP applications and rumours are circulating that many of the places on the resettlement scheme have already been allocated.
Minister reply
The right hon. Lady raises an important question. I can confirm that ARAP places remain valid and no initial budget allocations for the resettlement scheme have been filled yet.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
The Council for At-Risk Academics has sent a list of 12 scholars at risk, some in hiding due to lack of documentation. Will the Home Office prioritise these individuals?
Minister reply
Yes, I will ensure that the relevant Foreign Office Minister is contacted about those specific cases.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the region is growing rapidly. What steps has the Prime Minister taken to avert famine?
Minister reply
Immediately after the crisis broke, I spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres about UK support. We have doubled our humanitarian aid and are working with international partners through forums like the United Nations General Assembly.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that Britain is in a pivotal position to help people in Afghanistan, given our role on the UN Security Council and as G7 chair?
Minister reply
Absolutely, the contact group and other forums will play vital roles in coordinating efforts.
Question
The Taliban control most of Afghanistan's opium production. What steps is the Prime Minister taking to prevent them from flooding our communities with heroin?
Minister reply
We need to ensure that the Taliban stop allowing Afghanistan to be a narco-state, and we will continue to work on crime-fighting institutions such as the National Crime Agency.
Question
Can the Prime Minister reassure the people of this country about our military capability against groups like ISIS-K?
Minister reply
Of course, we keep all options on the table and ensure that the Taliban are aware of these capabilities.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Question
There is a lack of co-ordination between Departments regarding eligibility for asylum in the UK. When will this issue be addressed?
Minister reply
I reject the suggestion that there is poor co-ordination, as our rapid reaction team and Border Force officials have helped thousands of people come to safety.
Question
What role does the Prime Minister envisage for countries like Pakistan, Uzbekistan and China in the geopolitics of central Asia?
Minister reply
It is in their interest to ensure Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for terror. We will work with them to apply pressure on the Taliban.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
There is currently no co-ordination between Departments regarding eligibility for asylum under different criteria.
Minister reply
I reject that in the strongest terms. The rapid reaction team and Border Force have worked hand in glove to help people.
Question
What is the Prime Minister's assessment of the Taliban's capability to deal with terrorist threats?
Minister reply
The Taliban face a threat from groups like IS-K and will do their best, but we must ensure that terrorism does not spread.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Under the Nationality and Borders Bill, Afghan refugees arriving irregularly will be criminalised. Will the Prime Minister withdraw this bill?
Minister reply
No, because we have been extremely generous in bringing people from Afghanistan and setting out a safe route for more to come.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Question
I hope the Prime Minister will join me in congratulating Wiltshire Council on their efforts. Will he assure councils they will get the resources they need?
Minister reply
Yes, I congratulate all councils for their support and funding for evacuees from Afghanistan.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Like other Members, my constituency office and I have been doing everything we can to help constituents trapped in Afghanistan and to help their relatives who need to get out urgently, but it is clear that the Government are failing to do all they can to help these vulnerable people and are disgracefully putting even more people’s lives at risk. More widely, President Biden has called for an end to ‘an era of major military operations to remake other countries’. Given the huge loss of life in the disastrous and tragic wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere, is it not time that we do the same?
Minister reply
As I have just reminded the House, the UK ended its military operation in Afghanistan in 2014.
Question
Can I ask the Prime Minister what engagement he and the Foreign Secretary have had with non-governmental organisations, which are the only western organisations that are still on the ground in Afghanistan, and what steps he will take to protect them? Can I also ask what parameters need to be met to see the embassy reopened?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is entirely right to draw attention to the incredible work done by aid agencies and by NGOs. It is precisely to support those fantastic agencies that we have doubled our humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and the region to £286 million this year.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Later today, I will be reunited with an Afghan special forces commander whom I had the privilege of serving alongside. He is mightily relieved to be here, but understandably deeply concerned about the hundreds of his men and their family members who, although approved for relocation to the UK, were left behind. What can I tell him is being done to ensure that those who are in limbo are afforded safe passage, protection and unimpeded access to the UK?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to the service of the hon. Gentleman and, in addition, to the service of the Afghan special forces. He is absolutely right to draw attention to what they did. I believe that the 333—the Triples—were incredibly important. We will do whatever we can, as I have said, to ensure that those who have not yet come out do get the safe passage they need.
Question
The Prime Minister just said from the Dispatch Box that no veterans’ call for help will go unanswered, and I totally support that ambition. In fact, that was a central aim with the establishment of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs when he started it, but he and I know that he has consistently failed to take the measures required to make that a reality for veterans in communities like mine. What is he going to do differently to make veterans feel this has changed?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for the work he did as Minister for veterans’ affairs and for his service in Afghanistan. I believe that he gravely underestimates what this country has done. Just today, on veterans’ mental health, the House will have heard the further support we are offering. This is a Government who are absolutely determined to support our veterans, and that is why we passed the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021 and will continue to take steps to protect the veterans of this country.
Erith and Thamesmead
Question
I have cases involving more than 300 people who are still stranded in Afghanistan, and despite raising every case with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Home Office, I have yet to receive a substantial response—not one. My constituents are desperate for information on how to travel to third countries and when the full resettlement scheme will be launched. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss these urgent cases, and promise that every email will receive a proper response from the relevant Department?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady. I expect that she speaks for many colleagues around the House who, like me, will have received messages from those who wish to leave Afghanistan. I repeat what I said earlier: every single email from colleagues is being responded to by close of play today.
Question
Like many Members, I have had emails from Afghans in this country worried about their people back in Afghanistan. The Home Office and the Foreign Office have managed to get some of those people relocated, but I had the extraordinary situation where I had a very detailed email about Afghans who were being persecuted and who had worked for the British. It was very detailed and they produced all the documentation. The following day, my constituent wrote to me and said, “I am really sorry. It is a complete lie. These people are Taliban, and I cannot go through with this masquerade.” I just wonder whether we should be on guard against getting such people into this country.
Minister reply
I am sure that my hon. Friend, like many in the House, will be relieved to know that from the very beginning of Operation Pitting, the ARAP scheme and all the subsequent schemes we have put in place, the very highest possible security checks have been instituted to make sure that people are who they say they are and that we receive to this country the people who genuinely deserve to come here.
Question
Will the Prime Minister clarify the situation that applies to Afghans who were in our asylum system in this country prior to the fall of Kabul? Will they too be given indefinite leave to remain?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Member, who raises an important point. Many of those individuals will already be going through procedures in the courts, and we cannot interrupt them, so they will go on.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
The whole House agreed with the Prime Minister when he celebrated the heroism of our troops, but that simply served to crystallise that this was not so much a defeat as a capitulation: an abandonment by the west of both people and principle. Does the Prime Minister believe that Tony Blair was right this morning when he said that western leadership was ‘naive’ to believe that countries could be remade, or was it that our remaking of Afghanistan needed to last longer?
Minister reply
If Tony Blair was saying that it was naive to believe that countries could be remade and he was thinking of some of the things that he supported, I think he was spot on.
Question
The Prime Minister will know that after the calamitous collapse of the Government in Kabul and the disorderly retreat by western powers, there was rejoicing in parts of Mozambique, across the Sahel and, of course, in Somalia. Those are countries in which we have an interest because, if nothing else, they can be a source of terrorism here. What messages is he prepared to give about the UK working with partners to guarantee a proper, measured response that ensures we are not at risk of terrorism?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is focusing on exactly the right question and the right response from the western world and, indeed, the global community. We need to work together to ensure that, as far as we possibly can, we condition the new Government and new authorities in Kabul to understand that Afghanistan cannot slide back into being a cesspit of terror. That is our effort today.
Question
Many lessons will have been learned and relearned from Afghanistan—not least the need for boots on the ground. With the US becoming more isolated, will my right hon. Friend look again at the disastrous plan to reduce the Army by 10,000?
Minister reply
The Government are proud of what we have done since we came in to increase the size of our defence commitments by the biggest amount since the end of the cold war. On the hon. Gentleman’s point about Afghanistan, the reality is that even when there were 130,000 western troops in the country, it was not possible to subjugate the Taliban, and I am afraid that we are living with the lessons of that today.
Question
Last Friday, a young Afghan constituent told me through tears how his father—a British citizen—was turned away from the Baron hotel in Kabul on 28 August. He was trying to evacuate his other children, but he was refused permission to take two of them out of the country because they were aged 18 and 19. Can the Prime Minister imagine the pain of that family separation? All of them have stayed in Kabul, at huge risk to themselves. Will he look again at the family reunification rules and finally make it possible for families to stay together and not to have to face such a terrible choice?
Minister reply
The whole House will be full of sympathy to the family the hon. Member describes and the heartbreak they must have felt. I am sure there are many such cases in Kabul right now, but I think the record of this country in receiving people and being prepared to receive people in the future is very good. I ask her please to write to me or to the Home Secretary directly on the case of that particular family she is talking about.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
Many constituents have understandably been in touch, desperately worried about family members in Afghanistan. They want to find out whether the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme will be an application or an allocation process, when it will open and what that process will look like.
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend. We will be making sure that there is a process by which people can apply, but there is clearly a ceiling in the first year of 5,000 and then it goes up to 20,000 over the next few years.
Question
Christians in Afghanistan are one of the many minorities facing persecution, and many have been forced to flee their homes. A church community in my constituency is working around the clock to support several Christian families to flee to Pakistan and to seek asylum at the embassy of a safe third country. They are not looking for asylum in the UK, but to get to Pakistan. What particular support will the right hon. Gentleman’s Government offer vulnerable Christians such as those whom the community in my constituency are working with?
Minister reply
I thank the church community the hon. and learned Member describes for the work they are doing. On moving people to Pakistan, the Government are helping by increasing the funding available, much of which obviously already goes to Pakistan, and that is the purpose of the increase in the aid budget this year.
Liam Fox
Con
Wealden
Question
Calls for the UK to pull back from its alliance with the US are rejected; the importance of our alliance and the need for continued economic and security cooperation is emphasised.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees on the importance of the US alliance, highlighting the bravery of US military during Afghanistan withdrawal.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
Families of two constituents were forcibly removed from Kabul airport; asks how this could happen and what will be said to those in danger.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister denies knowledge of people being pulled off flights but suggests raising specific cases with relevant Ministers.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Chinese threats to Taiwan since Afghanistan withdrawal; asks the PM to reaffirm UK support for democracy and self-determination in Taiwan.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister supports American global leadership on this issue and reaffirms UK commitment to supporting democracies like Taiwan.
Rosie Duffield
Ind
Canterbury
Question
State duty of care for mental health of traumatised refugees; current waiting times are two to three years.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the issue and confirms investment in services for refugees from Afghanistan.
Sarah Dines
Con
Derbyshire Dales
Question
Request for additional funds for local councils like Derbyshire Dales to support Afghan arrivals.
Minister reply
The Minister assures availability of funding and suggests making representations to the Under-Secretary of State.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Question
Criticism of PM’s handling of Afghanistan withdrawal; questions if any personal responsibility is accepted.
Minister reply
The Minister denies any faults in the military hardware left behind and dismisses criticisms.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Gillingham and Rainham
Question
Proposes seeking guidance from Al-Azhar on Islamic principles for assessing Taliban's actions.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees the idea merits consideration, encouraging pressure on Taliban to adhere to more progressive elements of Islam.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds Central
Question
Concerns about uneven distribution of refugees across wealthier and poorer areas; asks if fairness is an issue.
Minister reply
The Minister encourages all councils to help and acknowledges Leeds’ historical support for refugees.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Calls for a strategic review of actions over the past 20 years since 9/11.
Minister reply
The Minister directs to the integrated review as evidence of ongoing strategic assessment.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Requests incentives for industry willing to provide housing and jobs to Afghan refugees in their businesses.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of private sector support, confirming training assistance and English language support.
Question
Compliments PM’s leadership; requests continued focus on women's education and participation in Afghan society.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms UK collaboration with G7 partners to address women's rights post-Afghanistan withdrawal.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Suggests a full inquiry into the process leading up to and during Afghanistan intervention.
Minister reply
The Minister refers to previous reviews conducted in 2014 after military operations ended.
Andrew Bridgen
Con
Warwicksouth
Question
Following our withdrawal from Afghanistan, where we were effectively dragged out on the coat-tails of the US, the world has changed and become more dangerous. Will the Prime Minister share his latest assessment of the so-called special relationship? Is it not time for another defence review?
Minister reply
The 'special relationship' is a fundamental geopolitical fact and rests much of the security of the past 100 years, continuing to be cardinal to this country's security.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
Question
Since he stood on a platform of global Britain, where does Britain have more influence than before the Prime Minister became Prime Minister?
Minister reply
Britain has made progress in setting up new embassies and legations around the world and signing free trade deals.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden
Question
Will the Prime Minister join him in commending the team at Birmingham airport, Solihull Council and third sector organisations who have welcomed nearly 1,000 people a day?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanked everybody involved with welcoming those from Afghanistan, including Border Force officials and councils.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
May the Prime Minister reflect on the idea of a single triage point for Afghan cases sent to Foreign Secretary, Defence Secretary, and Home Secretary?
Minister reply
The Government will focus on helping people with a single point of contact. The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department is the person in question.
Question
Can the Prime Minister confirm that armed forces personnel who serve abroad receive the best support and care when they return home?
Minister reply
The Government will provide lifelong support to those who have served bravely in Afghanistan, including their families.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Question
Does this mean that Afghan interpreters are included in the resettlement scheme given they were not eligible for ARAP?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister is sorry to hear what happened at Hamid Karzai International airport and hopes they will be successful under the resettlement scheme.
Question
Does the Prime Minister agree that we have no choice but to engage with the Taliban, perhaps with a forward presence in Kabul?
Minister reply
Engaging with the Taliban is inevitable and British troops were working directly with their counterparts at the airport.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Wolverhampton South East
Question
What is the Prime Minister’s response to the exposure of our limitations in Afghanistan?
Minister reply
The particular case of Afghanistan was predominantly a US-led mission, but that does not mean the UK cannot and will not cooperate with other friends and partners.
Question
Does the Prime Minister agree that we should be proud of all we have done in Afghanistan?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister believes his hon. Friend speaks for millions of people up and down this country who are proud of what young people did.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North
Question
Will the Government give an undertaking that they will make sure Departments have resources to communicate with constituents regarding relatives in Afghanistan?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanked the right hon. Lady and repeated a point made across the House, stating every email will be answered by tonight.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Foreign Secretary, Keir Starmer, commended the efforts of those involved in Op Pitting but criticised the Government for underestimating the Taliban's strength and failing to adequately plan for their withdrawal. He highlighted significant delays in processing applications for the Afghan relocations and assistance policy (ARAP) scheme, leaving many eligible individuals behind in danger. The Labour Party proposed scrapping the 30-day continuous service rule to ensure medals are awarded for bravery during Op Pitting. Starmer emphasised the need for more robust mental health support for veterans and called for an increase in humanitarian aid spending to prevent funds from falling into wrong hands.
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