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Afghanistan Policy
13 September 2021
Lead MP
Victoria Atkins
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesForeign AffairsBenefits & WelfareLocal Government
Other Contributors: 42
At a Glance
Victoria Atkins raised concerns about afghanistan policy 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
ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesForeign AffairsBenefits & WelfareLocal Government
Government Statement
With permission, Mr Speaker—thank you for accommodating this statement today—I would like to make a statement on the Government’s response to the situation in Afghanistan. Operation Pitting was launched to evacuate around 15,000 people from Afghanistan and an additional number were evacuated under the Afghan relocations and assistance policy (ARAP). The Home Office has been at the heart of the UK’s response, with dedicated officials working tirelessly to support this mission. They provided security checks, processed visa applications, and welcomed evacuees. Immediate indefinite leave to remain will be offered to those who arrived in or are arriving from Afghanistan under Operation Pitting. The Afghan citizens resettlement scheme (ACRS) aims to resettle up to 20,000 Afghans prioritising individuals who assisted UK efforts and vulnerable groups like women at risk and LGBT+ people. Eligible people will be referred for resettlement in three ways: through the evacuation programme, with UNHCR assistance, or by NGOs within Afghanistan. Local authorities will receive over £20,000 per person over three years to support integration, plus additional funding. New arrivals can access benefits from day one and tailored support is offered by the Department for Work and Pensions. The Government will also work with communities through a community sponsorship scheme. Afghan nationals already in the UK on economic routes can make applications without document requirements waived under certain circumstances. Asylum claims are being considered, and Home Secretary's absence during this critical time was noted.
Torfaen
Question
What specific plan do the Government have in place for those still in Afghanistan and desperate to escape? How many British passport holders remain behind and what is the justification for the cap of 5,000 this year?
Minister reply
We are starting a process as soon as possible following consultation with UNHCR. The specific routes to third countries for safe passage are being assessed. There is no exact number provided but we urge those eligible under ARAP to contact us.
Torfaen
Question
When will the additional £20 million in flexible funding be available and on what basis will it be distributed?
Minister reply
The funding is being made available now with details of distribution based on fair criteria for councils.
Torfaen
Question
Can the Minister confirm that there will be proper engagement with local authorities, and that such accommodation will never be used on a medium-term basis?
Minister reply
Proper engagement with local authorities is guaranteed. Long-term placements in hotels are not intended.
Torfaen
Question
When exactly will the new country guidance be published and why has there been a delay?
Minister reply
The new country guidance is expected to be published shortly, with delays due to ensuring thoroughness in assessment.
Torfaen
Question
I thank the Minister for her statement, and for advance sight of it. I also thank her for the briefing that was given to me by her and the Security Minister, and I welcome her to the Dispatch Box. However, given this vital work of leading on the Afghanistan resettlement scheme, I must ask: where is the Home Secretary? We hear that it is the Minister for the Cabinet Office who chairs the Cabinet Committee on this. As Kabul fell, the Prime Minister was on holiday, the Foreign Secretary was on holiday, and now, as we try to deal with the consequences, we have an absent Home Secretary. It is not good enough, and things have to improve.
Minister reply
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his comments. He made some very constructive points and others that I will perhaps leave for Hansard to consider. I can assure colleagues that a “Dear Colleague” letter is on its way into inboxes—as I speak, I hope, but perhaps a little later today. We are hopeful that international efforts over the coming days, weeks and months will change the situation.
Torfaen
Question
I have spoken to Labour local authority leaders across the country who have come forward to help, and our local councils need support. The Prime Minister mentioned a figure of £200 million, and today the Minister has mentioned the core tariff of £20,520 per person, but that is over three years. Local councils are providing support now. When will that money start to be paid? When will the additional £20 million in flexible funding referred to by the Minister be available, and what will be the basis on which it is distributed so that it is fair to councils across the country?
Minister reply
The 20,000 figure is over three years. That is a shorter period than the Syrian resettlement scheme, which was over five years, because we want to frontload the work that local authorities and others do to integrate people into our communities as quickly as possible.
Torfaen
Question
We are also hearing about the Home Office placing large numbers of people in inappropriate hotel accommodation, sometimes for months at a time, without prior notice or indeed even engagement with local authorities in advance. Can the Minister confirm that there will be proper engagement with local authorities, and that such accommodation will never be used on a medium-term basis?
Minister reply
There are some 68 hotels across the country, and I will not reveal locations and numbers. The bridging hotels are a temporary housing scenario, and we must encourage our local councils to offer permanent housing.
Torfaen
Question
For those already in the asylum system here in the United Kingdom, the Minister mentioned that new country guidance would be published shortly. When exactly will it be published, and why has there been such a delay in making it available?
Chris Grayling
Con
Epsom and Ewell
Question
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of welcoming the family of one of my constituents from Afghanistan. Sadly, two of his relatives have been executed by the Taliban. Another very close relative is a senior figure in the previous Government. That relative hopes to be able to make it across the border to Pakistan but expects to be in hiding in Pakistan because he is in fear of his life. Will the Minister please make it possible for hon. Members who are aware of such situations to act as a point of liaison between those who are in hiding and the high commission in Pakistan, so that we can ensure they have a path to escape that leaves them safe and helps them to avoid the danger that exists on both sides of the border?
Minister reply
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question; it is indeed one of the most common questions I am facing this afternoon. Due to security concerns in Afghanistan, we must be very careful about encouraging or supporting people who may be in a perilous situation there, particularly given their high profile status. We have processes in place with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Ministry of Defence, and the Defence Secretary has stated that his defence attachés will work hard on such cases. However, we must deal with the reality on the ground and ensure the safety of those individuals. MPs should refer constituents with concerns to the gov.uk website for updates and use the online form provided for ARAP eligibility.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Glasgow South
Question
First, let me welcome the Minister to her new role and join her in paying tribute to all those involved in getting people to safety from Afghanistan. We know that resettlement done well can save and transform lives. Will the Minister work constructively with partners here as well? When will the four-nations summit take place? Does the local authority support go at least as far as the Syrian scheme? What are the prospects of frontloading the programme for an increased initial 5,000 resettlement places? Will refugees be recognised as such and can family reunion rules be revisited to ensure that those with family in the UK who might not otherwise qualify can apply?
Minister reply
I thank the Scottish Government and all devolved Administrations for their constructive work so far. The 5,000 figure was settled upon to ensure proper integration of refugees. The ACRS scheme is additional to those welcomed under ARAP. The tariff applies throughout the devolved nations with additional funds for education. On the Nationality and Borders Bill, our resettlement scheme shows our commitment to safe and legal routes, a balance against people traffickers who exploit individuals. We will encourage safe and legal routes and combat trafficking.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Question
First, I pay enormous tribute not only to my hon. Friend the Minister but to the Home Secretary for her efforts in sorting out transit documents for an Afghan near a border. Does the Minister recognise that Afghanistan is many different communities and people need to be addressed differently? What outreach has she done to community groups inside the UK?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his commitment to this issue and expertise on Afghanistan. The Home Secretary and Immigration Minister, Kevin Foster, have done extraordinary work behind the scenes. We must include Afghan civil society in this country, reaching out and helping people integrate. I have met many groups with constructive ideas on how we can help and am determined to ensure a warm welcome for refugees.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
The Minister’s personal commitment is welcome but many MPs are struggling to help their constituents who were not directly employed by the UK Government. May I press her on whether those at risk in Afghanistan due to Taliban persecution can now apply for the resettlement scheme or must reapply from scratch?
Minister reply
Cases of Afghans who have worked with but not directly for the UK Government are being logged and considered for future use, though they may not be eligible under ARAP. The Ministry aims to help vulnerable individuals who stand up for British values within their capacity.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Does the Minister know that organisations like the Council for At-Risk Academics have been rescuing scholars since 1933? Can she expedite visa issuance for those at risk who have managed to cross into Pakistan?
Minister reply
The Home Office has received emails from such cases and they are being logged. The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department is open to liaising with MPs regarding these wider immigration questions.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
The Minister has spoken about difficulties facing those who wish to apply from Afghanistan but it’s unclear what current Government advice entails for those on the border. Will existing details of applicants be read across and considered under the new scheme or will they have to reapply?
Minister reply
Advice is to look at gov.uk website for updates, due to security concerns. The ARAP scheme has its lists while the new one looks at international organisations and civil society to invite forward eligible individuals.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Many fleeing will be highly skilled; what proportion of £20,520 per person in core funding is expected for further education to upskill people quickly into the workforce? What conversations have there been with DfE about this?
Minister reply
Post-evacuation from quarantine hotels, plans include equivalence qualifications and English language fluency measures via DWP to integrate refugees into jobs market swiftly.
Question
What help can be provided for UK citizens or residents trapped in Afghanistan, such as a woman with three daughters who is stranded due to caring responsibilities and COVID?
Minister reply
The individual described falls within the asylum scheme.
Question
How will local authorities be supported in accommodating Afghan citizens, especially regarding education systems for smooth transition into communities?
Minister reply
Funding of £20,520 per person over three years and up to £4,000 per child for education aims to enable front-loading integration support. Permanent housing is encouraged through local authority cooperation.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
What measures will be taken to ensure all local authorities step up their responsibilities towards asylum seekers and refugees under the UK resettlement scheme?
Minister reply
The Under-Secretary for Home Department is engaging with local authorities, encouraging them to sign up to support Afghan resettlement.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
My local authorities, Wealden District Council and Rother District Council, are taking part in welcoming our Afghan friends. The Minister references the three-year funding settlement. What assessment has she made of whether that will fully cover the cost of resettlement? Will she urge all local authorities to think of the contribution that these brave individuals will make not just to their local communities but to the economy?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend’s local authorities. They have worked very closely with my Department in recent weeks, and I am grateful for that. He is absolutely right on the last point. These are very skilled, highly qualified people who can be our doctors and our teachers, while some of them can—dare I say it?— help through standing for local councils. They can make a huge contribution. We have settled on the funding settlement very carefully because we want to try to encourage take-up as quickly as possible. We also have the additional fund of £20 million to help those authorities that are telling us some of the issues they have with housing. We want to try to make this as easy as possible for local authorities.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
I thank the Minister for her statement. I thank Vale of White Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council, who have opened their arms and absolutely said that they will take as many as they possibly can. I am helping to support about 400 individuals at the moment, some of whom are from the Hazara Afghan community. The Minister mentioned that there were other routes available other than the resettlement scheme—because, let us face it, that is not going to be enough. There is one willing to sponsor their brother, give them a job and support them. Will the Government give a special dispensation so that that space is given to someone else equally vulnerable who may need it?
Minister reply
I hope the hon. Lady will appreciate that I should not be making very significant decisions about immigration policy at the Dispatch Box, but I will take away her idea. We have tried, as I say, to construct this resettlement scheme alongside our existing system, going above and beyond what many countries around the world are doing. We are proud to do so and we want to encourage others to follow our lead. But of course the immigration system, as is, remains there for those who have perhaps sought asylum under the family reunion rules.
Peter Gibson
Con
Richmond Park
Question
I thank my hon. Friend for her statement. Will she join me in commending Darlington Borough Council, which she recently met, for its commitment to support Afghan families, just as it supported Syrian families only a few years ago? Will she ensure that sufficient funds will be available to Darlington to meet its responsibilities?
Minister reply
May I thank my hon. Friend, who is an absolute stalwart in speaking up not only for his constituency, but his local council? He is very much putting his constituency on the map. I am delighted to support the great offers of Darlington Borough Council and other councils across the country. I encourage them to do whatever they can to help. We should not forget that we have the portal open on gov.uk, where we can register offers of donations, volunteering, English language lessons—whatever we can manage.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Question
I have listened with care to the Minister’s statement. Is she aware of how many British residents and passport holders will be very shocked to learn that the Government can offer them no information on their relatives trapped in Afghanistan, let alone help them get their relatives to safety? Perhaps she should write to us and say she has no information. At least that would help us shed some light for our constituents. On the question of bridging hotels, many of them are entirely unsuitable, such as business hotels that have one single member of a family in every room. Can she assure the House about the maximum length of time individuals will be in this bridging accommodation?
Minister reply
Again, I regret that the right hon. Lady did not hear what I said earlier, which is that for those people in Afghanistan at the moment, it is a very fast-moving situation. At this point in time, I am not able to signpost constituents and parliamentarians in the way that I would normally be able to do, and that is one of the tough messages I have had to deliver today from the Dispatch Box. That does not mean that that will remain the case forever, and that is why the work of the FCDO, the Ministry of Defence and others in trying to secure safe passage out of Afghanistan is so critical.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Question
I welcome the explicit recognition of the position of LGBT people in her statement, following the Prime Minister’s statement a week ago. The absence of LGBT people being an identified cohort during the course of Op Pitting means that I fear nobody made it out under the conditions of Op Pitting who would and should have succeeded as LGBT people to make their application. Through me and through our noble Friend, Lord Herbert of South Downs, the Prime Minister’s envoy, will she enable a specific point of contact within her Department who can advise us and the NGOs and others who are helping LGBT Afghans to make applications, so that applications can be successfully made and Border Force’s questions properly satisfied? I fully understand the restrictions my hon. Friend placed on the operational advice that she gave earlier to my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), but that help will be much appreciated at the application phase.
Minister reply
I am happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. We recognise the risk. We want to work with specialist organisations to ensure that we help the most vulnerable, which of course include minorities who are LGBT+.
Anne McLaughlin
SNP
Glasgow North East
Question
The Minister talked in her statement about a referral process for those inside Afghanistan where it is possible to arrange safe passage, thus acknowledging that that is not always possible. Last week, the Home Office released proposals to engage in push-backs of boats in the channel carrying refugees and asylum seekers. Will she confirm that that policy means a boat carrying Afghan asylum seekers fleeing the Taliban who, as she said, could find no safe passage, would be forcibly pushed back from UK waters?
Minister reply
We are setting out safe and legal routes for Afghans who need to be resettled. As the hon. Member will know, other countries across Europe through which people are making their journeys are safe countries, and we would strongly encourage people making their way into safe countries in Europe and elsewhere to apply for asylum in those countries. The resettlement schemes are about helping people in region, and we very much hope to help the numbers that we have talked about.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Last month, my constituent Mr Kamal contacted me as he was concerned for the welfare of his wife and four daughters in Afghanistan. His wife is an Afghan national, while all four of their children—aged seven, six, three and just four months—are British citizens. He, like any father, is desperately worried about his family, yet, despite my representations to the Home Office, I have received no response at all. What advice can the Minister provide to Mr Kamal and his family? Will she assure me that I will get a substantive answer by the end of the week?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman describes an incredibly difficult case. If Mr Kamal’s family are in Afghanistan, I cannot give him a specific update on their safety and whereabouts, but I am happy to discuss the case with him after the statement because I want to see if we can do anything more.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Question
My constituents are children here under the vulnerable children’s resettlement scheme, and their families—Hazara families—in Kabul want to know what steps they need to take to make applications and whether they will fall under the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme, not least because the numbers under that scheme are so pitiful. The Minister talks about 5,000 people, which is one or two families per constituency. We really need to re-examine those numbers.
Minister reply
I very much hope that the hon. Member is encouraging her local authority to volunteer permanent properties to help resettle families as she has described. On her specific case, if I have understood her correctly, she is talking about children, and she will know that children cannot sponsor adults to come to the United Kingdom under our wider asylum policy because of real concerns that children would be used by people with ill intent.
Stewart Hosie
SNP
Dundee East
Question
I thank the Minister for what she described as the difficult and unique circumstances faced by Afghan citizens. Can I ask her a narrow question about the concessionary approach to waive documents which she described? Will she please confirm that if an Afghan citizen is entitled to help, they will not be denied that help simply because they have been required to, say, burn a passport or other identity document—whether electronic or physical—to keep themselves alive?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman gives some powerful examples. The nature of the concession is that we are realistic about what some may have had to do to survive. I must, however, preface that with two caveats. First, security checks must be conducted—that goes without saying—and, secondly, the concession will have to be on a case-by-case basis, because we want to ensure that we are helping the vulnerable people whom we are aiming to help.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
The MP criticises the UK Government for failing to provide adequate support to vulnerable Afghans who supported British efforts. He mentions inconsistencies in providing updates on individual cases and asks whether those denied through ARAP will have to reapply.
Minister reply
The Minister disagrees with the criticism, emphasising that she has announced funding for councils and plans to update the House on schemes.
Question
Concerned about female judges in Afghanistan who are facing imminent danger, the MP asks if discussions are taking place regarding safe passage out of Afghanistan.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms ongoing conversations with UNHCR and NGOs to address these issues.
Question
Concerning a former Chevening scholar in Kabul, the MP seeks assurance that his case is being addressed and he will be supported by the Government.
Minister reply
The Minister assures that Chevening scholars will be honoured and supported through appropriate channels.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
Expresses concern for a constituent's family in Afghanistan who have faced threats and violence, asking what the Government is doing to facilitate safe passage.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the dangerous situation but emphasises that Operation Pitting was aimed at evacuating as many people as possible.
Question
Asks about support for Afghans to preserve their language and culture upon arrival in the UK.
Minister reply
The Minister states that they are working with Afghan civil society to ensure integration while acknowledging cultural contributions.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Question
Requests clarification on how 'prioritisation' will be applied in the resettlement scheme, citing specific cases of interpreters.
Minister reply
The Minister refers to previous answers and avenues through which people can be invited to participate.
Question
Inquires about the definition of 'assisted UK effort' in terms of eligibility for resettlement.
Minister reply
Asks the MP to write to the Minister for the Armed Forces regarding specific cases.
Question
Questions whether the figure of 5,000 refugees is based on cumulative responses from local authorities.
Minister reply
Refers to the success of the Syrian resettlement scheme which also resettled 5,000 people annually.
Question
Concerned about a constituent who cannot enter Afghanistan despite having a British passport.
Minister reply
The Minister is hesitant to provide travel advice from the Dispatch Box but offers to follow up after the statement.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Asks if individuals who worked indirectly for British interests will be prioritised under the resettlement scheme.
Minister reply
Encourages MPs to look at gov.uk website for guidance on eligibility criteria.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
Reports issues faced by Afghan evacuees in quarantine hotels, such as lack of information and support.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the challenges but assures that provisions are being made available through hotel managers and local charities.
Question
I thank the Minister for her statement, but my constituents and I grow increasingly worried the longer casework emails go unanswered. That is no criticism of all the hard-working civil servants who have worked around the clock. I have written to the Home Secretary again today to request updates on two cases where constituents have found their family members—one an 18-year-old woman—particularly vulnerable under the new regime. Can the Minister confirm what criteria the Home Office is using to assess vulnerability for applicants wishing to come to the UK and join their British family here?
Minister reply
I do not want to have to repeat the answers I have given in relation to correspondence, because I know the pressures of time. As I say, there will be a “Dear colleague” in due course, and I hope that that will help to deal with some of the hon. Member’s correspondence.
Question
What reassurance can the Minister give to the 3,000 Afghans who were in our asylum system prior to the fall of Kabul? What lessons will she take from what other European countries are doing around a fast-track system? Crucially, can she give the assurance that under no circumstances will anyone be deported back to Afghanistan?
Minister reply
We have said that there will be no more returns to Afghanistan. If someone is in the asylum system, they are supported, and their claim will remain within the asylum system as usual.
Question
First, let me place on the record the readiness and willingness, once again, of North Lanarkshire Council to stand forward for the Afghan refugees, just like we did for the Syrian refugees and, before that, for the Congolese when we welcomed them to North Lanarkshire. Will the Minister please heed the warnings by both the First Minister of Scotland and the leader of Glasgow City Council that the commitment to rehouse 20,000 in the long term and to resettle just 5,000 in the first year is clearly not sufficient? Clearly, in the context of the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding, a far more ambitious programme is required. It is always worth saying that in Scotland, refugees are welcome.
Minister reply
I am very happy to thank councils across the United Kingdom that have played their part. As I say, I am very much looking forward to others joining our voluntary scheme. In terms of numbers, I will not repeat what I have already said. We just want to make sure that we are welcoming people in a structured and measured way, as we have in the past with the Syrian scheme. We very much look forward to working with partners across the United Kingdom to achieve that.
Shadow Comment
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Shadow Comment
I thank the Minister for her statement but criticise the absence of the Home Secretary from such a crucial issue. She acknowledges local authorities' work and their need for support, yet questions the timeline and specifics around resettlement plans. The Labour leader inquires about a specific plan for those still in Afghanistan and seeks clarity on routes to third countries and the justification behind the 5,000 cap on relocation this year. He also raises concerns over the immediate funding available to councils providing current support and highlights issues with hotel accommodation placements by the Home Office without prior notice or engagement. Lastly, he urges for prompt publication of new country guidance.
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