Afghanistan

John Baron Con

Basildon and Billericay

Asked for assurance on providing necessary resources to those Afghans and others who helped the British Council, including in the promotion of women’s rights. He expressed concern about the slow-moving Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme.

Tobias Ellwood Con

Bury North

Questioned if the Prime Minister agrees that the west is ceding back Afghanistan to an insurgency it previously fought against. He asked for a formal independent inquiry into conduct in Afghanistan.

Mark Harper Con

Faversham and Mid Kent

Asked how the Government may assure itself that future terrorist attacks from Afghanistan will not occur in the UK, given the recent rapid failure of intelligence assessments.

Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op

Cardiff South and Penarth

Praised the diplomatic team in Kabul and armed forces for evacuating people under extraordinary circumstances. He expressed concern about many being left trapped, unable to access the airport or evacuate safely, especially women at risk.

Andrew Bridgen Con

North West Leicestershire

Asked for an assessment of UK intelligence services regarding the fighting capacity of the Afghan army and Taliban. He also inquired about representations made by the UK Government to US allies concerning their withdrawal timetable.

Theresa May Con

Walthamstow

Asked when the Prime Minister first spoke with Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, about replacing American support in Afghanistan with an alliance of other forces.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

Questioned why the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary were on holiday when this catastrophe occurred, despite having a rapid response force ready.

Ian Paisley Jnr DUP

North Antrim

Asked for assurance that efforts will be made to bring back to safety 228 missionaries in Afghanistan under sentence of death and others at risk due to the collapse of support.

Alan Brown Lab

Kilmarnock and Loudoun

Requested clarification on how many people are eligible for relocation but have not yet signed up. He asked what 'everything we can' means in terms of identification and location of these individuals.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda and Ogmore

Noted the Home Secretary's announcement to take 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan but only allow 5,000 this year. He questioned what will happen to the remaining 15,000.

Stella Creasy Lab Co-op

Walthamstow

Asked for confirmation that no one would be sent back to Afghanistan from the UK due to safety concerns. She highlighted the change in policy regarding sending people back to Kabul.

Sara Britcliffe

Expressed support for Royal Marine Pen Farthing and his charity's veterinary staff, requesting safe passage back to the UK for them and their families.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Welcomed the commitment to support in the region and asked if the announcement of an Afghan resettlement scheme is additional to the existing 5,000-a-year resettlement programme.

Shailesh Vara

Asked what is being done to encourage other countries involved in Afghanistan to take responsibility for helping people at this critical time.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Starmer condemns the Taliban's return and the risks faced by Afghan civilians. He highlights the sacrifices made by both British troops and their Afghan allies over two decades, expressing concern about the mental health of veterans affected by recent events. He criticises the current government for failing to evacuate people quickly enough and for offering a resettlement programme that is insufficient given the scale of the humanitarian crisis. Starmer also calls on the Government to provide guarantees for the safety of British diplomatic staff in Kabul and ensure they have the resources needed for evacuation missions.

James Grey Con

North Wiltshire

Grey intervenes to emphasise that sacrifices made by those who served in Afghanistan were not in vain. He notes that Afghan forces, despite setbacks, fought bravely and deserves recognition for their efforts.

Tim Loughton Con

East Worthing and Shoreham

Loughton agrees with Starmer's remarks on the need to support Afghanistan's civilised values against the Taliban threat, rejecting Biden's characterization of it as a civil war.

Rehman Chishti Con

Gillingham and Rainham

Chishti requests further intervention from Starmer on an unspecified topic related to Afghanistan.

Iain Duncan Smith Con

Chingford and Woodford Green

Duncan Smith questions the blame placed by US President Biden on Afghan forces for their inability to resist Taliban takeover, suggesting it was a flawed decision to withdraw aircraft cover. He calls this situation 'shameful'.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Redwood requests further intervention from Starmer on an unspecified topic related to Afghanistan.

Caroline Lucas Green

Brighton, Pavilion

Lucas calls for a revision of the UK's hostile environment policies and the Nationality and Borders Bill, arguing they criminalise refugees fleeing persecution, such as Afghan women with children.

Emma Hardy Lab

Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

Hardy calls for urgent action to process Sikh Afghans in the UK's immigration system who are waiting for clearance from the Home Office, urging them not to be left waiting any longer.

Layla Moran Lib Dem

Oxford West and Abingdon

Moran asks Starmer if a safe corridor needs to be opened to international borders so that those outside Kabul can also reach safety via third countries, highlighting the difficulty of assessing situations beyond Kabul.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Swayne posits a hypothetical scenario where the UK might face an overthrown government and suggests Starmer would want to lead resistance rather than queue for evacuation, implying criticism of Starmer's approach.

Toby Perkins Lab

Chesterfield

Critiques the lack of ambition and urgency in the Government's approach to the crisis, highlighting a contradiction between cutting overseas aid for the Afghan government and proposing increased aid now that the Taliban are in control.

Theresa May

Discusses her visits to Afghanistan, emphasising the commitment of British forces. Acknowledges the loss of 457 military personnel and many more injured. Criticises the chaotic withdrawal and questions intelligence failures. Calls for a refugee scheme that is accessible to all those in need. Raises concerns about women's rights and potential for terrorist resurgence.

Andrew Bridgen

Requests to speak, but no contribution text provided.

Ian Blackford SNP

Ross, Skye and Lochaber

The humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan is unprecedented. With over 3 million displaced people, predominantly women and children, the UK must act swiftly to offer safe passage, shelter, and support to refugees fleeing this crisis. The Government's response thus far falls short of what is needed given the scale of the challenge.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Questions if current promises made regarding Afghan refugees are robust, referencing past failures to meet similar pledges in 2016. Emphasises the importance of protecting unaccompanied refugee children from Calais.

Brendan O'Hara SNP

Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Highlights the statement by Nobel laureate Nadia Murad regarding the impact of war on women's rights. Advocates for a more robust response to protect Afghan women and girls from further harm.

Jack Brereton

Inquires about other Scottish authority areas participating in the resettlement scheme beyond Glasgow, aiming to ensure broader engagement across Scotland.

Alan Brown

Corrects a misconception regarding East Ayrshire Council's participation in resettling Syrian refugees, reinforcing community support for welcoming refugees regardless of origin.

Peter Bottomley Con

Horsham

Mr. Bottomley emphasised the importance of learning from past military engagements, noting the need for a balanced approach to international intervention based on achievable objectives and moral considerations. He also called for an inquiry into the situation in Afghanistan but acknowledged that such discussions should be guided by thoughtful and constructive contributions rather than those lacking substance.

Harriet Harman Lab

Camden North

Ms. Harman highlighted the urgent need to evacuate UK nationals and Afghan individuals who assisted the British government, stressing the moral obligation towards these people. She also advocated for a generous resettlement programme and underscored the importance of supporting women's rights in Afghanistan, urging the Government to engage directly with female Afghan leaders on measures to protect those at risk.

Edward Davey Lib Dem

Kingston and Surbiton

Acknowledged the service and bravery of British armed forces, diplomats, and aid workers. Criticised the Government for its failure to properly plan the withdrawal and questioned the Prime Minister’s influence in Washington. Emphasised the human impact on Afghans, especially women and refugees, and called for better planning regarding refugees fleeing their country and a strategy to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a vector of terrorism again.

Tobias Ellwood Con

Bournemouth East

Ellwood criticised the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, arguing that it is a strategic blunder leading to a humanitarian disaster and increased instability. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a long-term commitment in Afghanistan despite the difficulties and called for an independent inquiry into the withdrawal.

Khalid Mahmood Lab

Birmingham, Perry Barr

Mahmood paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict and expressed concerns about the withdrawal's impact on women's rights in Afghanistan. He criticised previous US administrations for indecision and unilateral actions and highlighted the need for regional coordination to address refugee issues.

Dan Jarvis Lab

Barnsley North

The debate reflects on the service of British servicemen and women in Afghanistan and their sacrifice. The hon. Member acknowledges the moral crisis facing Britain due to events in Afghanistan, calling for pragmatic action involving international diplomacy and humanitarian aid. He also emphasises the need to defend progress made over the past 20 years and learn from what went wrong.

Alicia Kearns Con

Rutland and Stamford

The UK's failure to prevent the Taliban recapturing Afghanistan is a tragedy that will shape lives for decades. NATO allies failed to build a coalition, and only Turkey stood with the UK due to its understanding of the consequences of state failure. The speaker emphasises the importance of getting people out safely, prioritising refugee support, recognising changes in US posture, taking greater responsibility for global defence, fixing the international system, addressing China's influence in South Asia, monitoring Taliban intent, and focusing on atrocity prevention. She also calls for solidarity with veterans, armed forces, and staff working to evacuate people.

Diane Abbott Ind

Hackney North and Stoke Newington

The speaker addresses the chaos of the Taliban takeover and questions how it happened, emphasising moral responsibilities towards British veterans, Afghan women and girls who were given hope for a better future, and refugees pouring out of Afghanistan. She urges Parliament to understand lessons from the situation, keep the future prospects of Afghan women and girls at the centre of discussions, and take political and moral responsibility towards refugees.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Argues for a flexible containment policy as an alternative to the current stark choices between full-scale intervention and total withdrawal. Emphasises that NATO's role in Afghanistan was crucial in preventing further al-Qaeda attacks but criticises the long-term strategy of open-ended commitment. Advocates for a mobile and integrated force approach, striking and withdrawing as necessary to avoid getting 'mired' in counter-insurgency campaigning.

Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP

Lagan Valley

Donaldson emphasised the need for this debate to focus on helping the people of Afghanistan rather than political point scoring. He paid tribute to the brave servicemen and women who served in Afghanistan, particularly those from Northern Ireland, highlighting the sacrifice made by nine individuals. Donaldson urged the UK to provide humanitarian assistance urgently to those Afghans who supported British forces during their time there, especially religious minorities facing persecution under the Taliban regime. Additionally, he advocated for enhancing intelligence capacity and maintaining aid budgets despite economic pressures.

Iain Duncan Smith Con

Chingford and Woodford Green

Duncan Smith criticised the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan as a failure to uphold values and protect people. He pointed out that while there was no need for an immediate departure, UK forces were giving support without sustaining casualties. He questioned whether the UK government advised against the US decision and urged solidarity with those who died defending democracy in Afghanistan. Duncan Smith also warned about the retreat of western democracies and the influence gained by China and Russia due to the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Ms. Cooper expresses deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, highlighting risks faced by those who collaborated with UK agencies and organisations. She criticises the current Afghan relocation policy as too narrow and urges the government to broaden it. She also calls for urgent review of cases where people are at risk despite having worked on UK-funded programmes, urging the Government to support refugees in neighbouring regions.

Emma Hardy Lab

Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

Intervening, Ms. Hardy raises concerns about the English language requirement on application forms for asylum seekers from Afghanistan, suggesting it should be relaxed temporarily to accommodate those desperate to come to the UK.

Jane Hunt

Ms. Hunt honours soldiers who served in Afghanistan and acknowledges progress made over 20 years, including educational opportunities for girls and increased female representation in parliament. She advocates for continued support of human rights and democratic values while emphasising the need to protect those who helped UK forces, urging swift processing of applications from relatives in Afghanistan.

Stewart Hosie SNP

Dundee East

Mr. Hosie emphasised the significant loss of life and injuries in Afghanistan over two decades, expressing hope that it was not in vain but questioning whether there were intelligence failures leading to an inaccurate assessment of the situation. He drew parallels with past interventions such as the Gulf war and Iraq War to highlight the broader context of failed military interventions and their humanitarian consequences. Mr. Hosie asked why there is political will for war funding but rarely foresight for peacebuilding, calling on the UK Government to maintain or increase aid commitments despite reducing aid from 0.7% to 0.5%.

John Baron Con

Basildon and Billericay

Mr. Baron expressed concern over recent developments in Afghanistan, including the evacuation efforts and the humanitarian crisis unfolding. He urged the Government to be generous in their welcome of refugees and to ensure that resources are committed to assist those who have supported UK operations. Mr. Baron argued for an apology from the Prime Minister on behalf of previous Governments for the error of engaging in a wider intervention than necessary, which he believed was under-resourced and over-ambitious.

Wayne David Lab

Caerphilly

Elected in 2001, Wayne David pays tribute to the armed forces and highlights the need for a democratic system in Afghanistan. He criticises the withdrawal as catastrophic and raises concerns about the potential return of terrorists. Emphasising support for Afghan citizens who worked with Britain, he urges the government to aid those in need and be prepared for a refugee crisis.

Jeremy Hunt Con

Godalming and Waverley

Former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt argues that British soldiers' sacrifices extended beyond reducing terrorism; they defended values such as gender equality, judicial independence, and press freedom. He criticises the decline in global free countries and advocates for investing in armed forces, reversing aid cuts, developing technology, and rebuilding alliances to defend democratic values.

Caroline Lucas Green

Brighton Pavilion

Watched scenes at Kabul airport with feelings of grief and anger over the broken promises to Afghan women and girls. Raised concerns about UK's failed refugee and asylum system, urging immediate action for those who worked alongside UK forces and were left vulnerable. Criticised Government's ARAP programme as insufficiently late and narrow, calling for its expansion and removal of family caps. Advocated for increased aid beyond 2019 levels due to greater need.

Daisy Cooper Lib Dem

St Albans

Interjected to support Caroline Lucas's call for additional funding for local councils willing to take on refugees, highlighting the necessity of financial support for furniture, relocation, and utilities.

Liam Fox

Emphasised that UK went to Afghanistan out of national security concerns rather than philanthropy. Acknowledged military achievements but criticised decision-making around troop withdrawal as influenced by domestic politics. Urged support for Afghan refugees and reiterated the need for belief in democratic values over totalitarianism, stating freedom has a political and financial cost.

Flick Drummond

Drummond highlighted the significant progress made for women's rights in Afghanistan over the past two decades, expressing deep concern about the future under Taliban rule. She called for stringent conditions on aid delivery to protect human and ethnic minority rights.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

Discusses the situation in Afghanistan, highlighting the plight of women activists and other supporters who face potential genocide. Urges the government to demonstrate support through deeds rather than words, emphasising the need for safe passage for those wanting to leave and谴责塔利班对女性的迫害行为，并要求政府增加难民名额，提供更多信息关于速度、细节和后续行动。呼吁恢复和发展援助，特别是针对阿富汗问题，并强调巴基斯坦在稳定地区局势中的潜在作用，包括管理与阿富汗接壤长达1600英里的杜兰线，防止恐怖主义扩散。

Owen Paterson

Reflects on the UK's withdrawal from Afghanistan, expressing disappointment and shame over President Biden's decision. Acknowledges the bravery of Afghan soldiers who fought alongside British forces but criticises the US for pulling out troops prematurely, leading to a power vacuum. Emphasises that China, Russia, and Iran are now exploiting this situation, causing concerns in Taiwan, India, Pakistan, and western Ukraine. Advocates for the UK stepping up its role in international affairs under the G7 leadership, highlighting the importance of caring for veterans who have been affected by these events.

Stella Creasy Lab Co-op

Walthamstow

Critiques the failure of leadership and military strategy that led to the Taliban's rapid advance. Urges immediate action to help those in danger, such as interpreters and support staff who worked with foreign forces. Calls for a comprehensive extraction plan to ensure safe passage through checkpoints and for resettlement plans to prioritise need over bureaucratic requirements. Highlights the human rights aspect of the crisis, particularly the risk faced by women who had roles in education and governance under the previous regime. Emphasises the need for international cooperation to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for extremist groups like al-Qaeda or ISIS.

Diana R. Johnson Lab

Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

Johnson expresses concerns about national security, criticising the UK's lack of leadership during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. She calls for an update to the integrated review assessing security needs. Additionally, she raises issues regarding the global refugee crisis exacerbated by the situation in Afghanistan and urges fair support for refugees. Johnson is appalled at the prospect of human rights regressions under Taliban rule, particularly concerning women's rights and the treatment of minorities.

Alec Shelbrooke Con

Wetherby and Easingwold

Shelbrooke acknowledges NATO’s failure in stabilizing Afghanistan but highlights that its original mission to remove al-Qaeda was successful. He stresses the importance of ongoing diplomatic engagement with uncomfortable partners such as Pakistan, urging for financial input and sanctions when necessary. Shelbrooke believes it is crucial to engage in dialogue to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and uphold gains made during NATO's presence.

Pat McFadden Lab

Wolverhampton South East

Emphasises the importance of the gains made in Afghanistan over the past 20 years, including education for girls and political representation. Criticises the suggestion that these efforts were a mistake. Highlights the significance of refugees returning to their country with hope. Acknowledges the sacrifices made by British armed forces but questions the necessity and timing of the withdrawal. Calls into question Britain's credibility in global politics due to its handling of the situation.

Caroline Nokes Con

Romsey and Southampton North

Commends the Prime Minister for the scheme prioritising women and girls, but expresses concern about the time frame and bureaucratic complexities involved in bringing them to safety. Raises concerns about the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law and potential reprisals against educators and civic leaders. Urges immediate decision-making on asylum claims and calls for a swift resettlement programme.

Tahir Ali Lab

Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley

Highlights the failure of military intervention in Afghanistan, emphasising its detrimental impact on regional stability. Advocates for prioritising the safeguarding and wellbeing of Afghan people, especially women and girls. Calls for a safe haven for those fleeing Afghanistan and urges against cherry-picking who to save. Suggests that de-escalating regional tensions requires cooperation between major powers.

Bob Seely Con

Isle of Wight

Seely highlights the collapse of Afghanistan as an unnecessary self-inflicted wound, criticising both former US President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden for their roles in exacerbating the situation. He emphasises the bravery of Afghan soldiers and civilians who fought alongside British forces and warns that the release of jihadists from Bagram and other detention centres will pose a significant threat to global security. Seely also notes that Russia, China, India, and NATO allies are now at greater risk due to this failure.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Saville-Roberts urges the Government to expand their Afghan relocation and assistance policy to include all locally engaged staff and their families, regardless of role. She calls for urgent evacuation of UK nationals, Afghan citizens linked to British NATO mission, journalists, women in senior roles, judges, civil servants, and educators. The MP also questions the adequacy of the resettlement scheme and asks the Government to guarantee continued evacuation operations until 31 August.

Richard Drax Con

South Dorset

Drax pays tribute to British soldiers who died in Afghanistan, highlighting their sacrifice in preventing terrorist attacks on the West. He expresses concern over a potential resurgence of fundamentalism and drug trade under Taliban rule, with implications for regional stability and extremist ideologies spreading. Drax also cites a general's comment on the strategic ramifications of defence cuts, emphasising the need for sustained military capabilities.

Philip Dunne

The dedication of our armed forces was impressive during my visits to Afghanistan before the combat mission ended seven years ago. Despite great sacrifices, much was achieved: terrorist groups were prevented from using Afghanistan as a safe haven; women's lives transformed with millions going to school and taking part in government. However, this has come to an end, highlighting the need for urgent action to maintain security around Kabul airport. The Prime Minister’s announcement of a resettlement scheme is welcome but must also cover those who have helped British soft power working in Afghanistan.

Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op

Feltham and Heston

The US's gross miscalculation was compounded by the failure of other Governments to step up, leaving Afghan forces alone against advancing Taliban. The takeover threatens progress made for women and girls, with many now in grave danger. We need to ensure evacuation of minority communities at risk, including Sikhs, Hindus, those working for UN and UK aid programmes, and suppliers of equipment/services to the UK forces. Speed is crucial as women burn their papers out of fear; resources must be found urgently to process applications. Those with no means to flee must also be protected.

Andrew Bowie Con

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Expressed concern for Afghan nationals who supported British efforts, highlighting the story of a man assisting in evacuating British nationals from Kabul airport while his family remains there. Emphasised the importance of continuing to support such individuals despite the challenges.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Critiqued the UK's response to the evacuation, stating that it was too slow and bureaucratic. Highlighted examples of people unable to leave due to paperwork issues. Called for immediate action to airlift more people out and process their documentation later.

Daniel Kawczynski

Praised British efforts in Afghanistan but criticised European NATO partners' lack of support. Questioned the role of Russia and Pakistan, particularly Pakistan's security forces who allegedly supported the Taliban. Stressed the importance of regional protection for Afghans.

Alison McGovern Lab

Birkenhead

Paid tribute to those serving in Afghanistan and acknowledged human rights abuses there. Emphasised the moral duty to protect innocent Afghans, criticised government's response during a crisis, and advocated for fixing flaws in FCDO and reversing aid cuts.

Andrew Rosindell Con

Romford

Rosindell argues that the British people are shocked by the situation in Afghanistan and calls for moral duty to provide refuge to those fleeing. He supports swift assistance for Afghans at risk due to their work with British forces, emphasising the need for global community support.

Kevan Jones

Jones criticises the government's decision to withdraw air power and talks about the moral duty of providing sanctuary to those fleeing violence. He discusses the progress made in Afghanistan but also acknowledges mistakes such as corruption and calls for engagement with regional powers despite unpalatable decisions.

Jason McCartney

McCartney focuses on securing Kabul airfield, evacuating UK nationals and Afghan interpreters, and setting up a resettlement plan. He supports the government's announcement to resettle 20,000 Afghans and emphasises protecting women and girls' rights while honouring those who served in Afghanistan.

Rosie Duffield Ind

Canterbury

Duffield calls for safe routes out of Afghanistan and asylum for those at risk, emphasising the threat to women's freedoms. She highlights the need for urgent answers regarding family reunion, mental health support, financial aid for local authorities, and reassures constituents that their voices are heard.

Gagan Mohindra Con

South West Hertfordshire

Mohindra expressed pride in representing South West Hertfordshire and acknowledged the recent events in Afghanistan, paying tribute to UK military personnel. He highlighted the £3.3 billion of aid provided by the UK since 2001, noting improvements in women's rights and education. Mohindra emphasised the importance of ensuring that progress is not undone by the Taliban and praised the Government for its comments on introducing a settlement scheme for those most at need.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda and Ogmore

Bryant expressed deep shame over the UK's foreign policy in Afghanistan, criticising the lack of proper planning and endorsement of Trump’s plan. He was particularly concerned about the fate of Afghan women, children, and LGBTQ individuals under Taliban rule, fearing for their safety and future. Bryant also criticised the Prime Minister for not being courageous enough in his dealings with the US.

Nusrat Ghani Con

Sussex Weald

Ghani paid tribute to Afghan men and women who worked hard to rebuild their country, expressing concern over the fate of 69 female MPs under Taliban rule. She emphasised the need for intelligence reassessment, safe passage leverage, and aid funding assurance for those in need. Ghani also warned about potential radicalisation from Afghanistan leading to a new version of extremism.

Layla Moran Lib Dem

Oxford West and Abingdon

Calls for a safe corridor, better refugee intake numbers, and protection of Afghan women's rights. Criticises the UK Government’s complicity in the situation.

Darren Henry

Expresses concern over current atrocities in Afghanistan and calls for assurances from the government regarding British citizens and Afghan nationals, urging an international effort to assist Afghans.

Steve McCabe

Highlights the fight against human rights violations by terror groups like the Taliban. Urges honouring obligations towards those who helped UK troops and calls for assistance to genuine refugees.

Andrew Murrison Con

South West Wiltshire

Critiques the US's handling of the situation in Afghanistan, emphasising the geopolitical impact and the need for Britain to step up as a leader in response.

Toby Perkins Lab

Chesterfield

Acknowledges the tragic nature of the day but praises Parliament’s debate. Emphasises learning lessons from the past 20 years while recognising the improvements made to Afghan lives and safety due to intervention.

Dave Doogan SNP

Angus and Perthshire Glens

Views the situation as a political failure, not military one, and calls for transparency regarding intelligence. Questions the legacy of military operations in Afghanistan and highlights the plight of veterans' families and Afghan civilians.

Toby Perkins Lab

Chesterfield

Intervenes to critique the extension of speeches beyond the three-minute limit, suggesting it's discourteous to those who won't get a turn.

Jack Lopresti

Honours the service and sacrifice of UK servicemen and women in Afghanistan, recognises achievement of initial objectives. Critiques US decision-making leading to current situation, praises Prime Minister's refugee resettlement programme.

Tonia Antoniazzi Lab

Gower

I pay tribute to those who lost their lives and served in Afghanistan, especially my cousin Mark. His social media post highlights the despair felt by veterans due to the Government's failure on multiple fronts. I echo concerns about the value of service medals under these circumstances and stress the need for the Government to address the hopelessness felt by many veterans.

Sarah Atherton

We must focus on assisting Afghan people at risk due to their support of British efforts, particularly interpreters. Urging the Government to expedite efforts to maximise opportunities while ensuring national security and preparing for an influx of refugees. Concerns about the oppression of women in Afghanistan and preference for female veterans in resettlement schemes. Recognising the sacrifices made by those who served, including 32 from Wales.

Matt Rodda Lab

Reading Central

Paid tribute to forces; highlighted humanitarian issues such as the need for further detail on Government commitments and removal of bureaucratic obstacles. Raised questions about the strategy review and management of key Government Departments during the crisis period.

Richard Graham

Recognised the complexities of the situation, noting it is not our finest hour but also not a complete failure as we had exited under conditions different from Suez. Emphasised the need to focus on safe extraction of citizens, helping those who assisted Britain during its presence, and organising resettlement programmes while acknowledging the necessity of future debates.

Anna McMorrin Lab

Cardiff North

The Member expressed her horror at the situation in Afghanistan, highlighting the lack of action from the Government. She emphasised that assurances from Taliban leaders are not enough and that women and girls will face severe persecution. Anna called for support for those who helped the UK and urged the Government to work with international partners to offer sanctuary.

Bob Neill Con

Bob Neill criticised the western alliance's dereliction of policy but acknowledged that the primary responsibility lies with the US. He emphasised the need for a rebalanced approach to NATO, less dependent on the US, and highlighted the importance of protecting those who helped UK forces in Afghanistan. Neill also called for a more generous spirit towards refugees from Afghanistan.

Barry Gardiner Lab

Brent West

Barry Gardiner criticised the lack of strategic planning by the Government and highlighted their failure to protect those who helped British forces. He emphasised the moral imperative for the UK to honour its obligations to those at risk in Afghanistan, including women, religious minorities, and others facing persecution.

James Sunderland Con

James Sunderland acknowledged the sacrifices made by service personnel but emphasised that there are no winners in war. He highlighted the need for an enhanced FCDO presence on the ground to secure safe passage and extend lines of communication. The Member also urged honesty about UK's place in the world, questioning the level of autonomy in foreign policy decisions.

Darren Jones Lab

Bristol North West

Warned about the decline of UK's influence in international diplomacy, citing events in Afghanistan as symbolic. Noted the importance of global alliances and the impact on democracies around the world, such as Taiwan.

Mark Francois Con

Rayleigh and Wickford

Criticised the withdrawal from Afghanistan, comparing it to the fall of Saigon rather than Dunkirk. Called for a Franks-style inquiry into what went wrong during the mission. Highlighted NATO's strategic defeat and warned about the implications for other regions like the Baltic states and Taiwan.

Alan Brown

Critiqued intelligence failures and political misjudgments leading to the withdrawal, noting the release of Taliban prisoners and increased violence. Raised concerns over women’s rights, education, and safety under Taliban rule. Advocated for a judge-led inquiry to understand past failures.

John Howell

Acknowledged RAF Benson's contribution in Afghanistan, praising their achievements in anti-terrorism and state-building efforts. Highlighted the plight of Afghan women musicians, expressing sympathy and calling on Ministers to help them safely relocate to the UK.

Mark Pawsey

My visit to Afghanistan in 2011 reinforced our mission to prevent Afghan territory from being used by al-Qaeda. Despite success in that regard, the withdrawal has made a terrorist attack on us more likely now than before. The sacrifices of UK personnel were not in vain; they must be acknowledged and supported with adequate mental health provisions. There is concern about Taliban gaining access to equipment left behind. We need to ensure the safe departure of Afghans who worked alongside our troops, and there will be much more work to do in securing their safety.

Zarah Sultana Lab Co-op

Coventry South

The 20-year war on Afghanistan was a catastrophic mistake causing untold human tragedy. The west cannot build liberal democracies with bombs and bullets, as this fantasy has brought death and destruction to many places, making us all unsafe. We must learn that democracy cannot be bombed into existence, and American military might is not a friend of freedom. After 20 years of bloodshed, we have a special duty to the people of Afghanistan who are now fleeing for their lives. Afghan asylum seekers already here should receive unconditional amnesty, including my constituent Jamal's father, who worked as a translator and needs safe passage from Taliban threats.

Antony Higginbotham

The removal of the Taliban years ago gave hope to Afghans for better lives, opportunities, education, and democratic participation. The heartbreaking scenes this week highlight that hope was provided by our armed forces and Afghan partners who worked with us. We must acknowledge their sacrifices and provide support to veterans if needed. When combat operations ended, the mission shifted towards building confidence in the Afghan forces and government, a complex and enduring task. Now we need to preserve security gains, support veterans, get people out safely, and ensure these lessons are never repeated.

Lisa Nandy Lab

Wigan

Hon. Members have given voice to the concerns of families in Britain who are wondering what the sacrifice was for and criticising the Government's failure to plan an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan. The decision by the United States to withdraw created an impossible situation, but the UK failed to address this adequately despite warnings. Security at Kabul airport is now controlled by the Taliban, and there is no agreement beyond 31 August. No conversations have taken place between the UK and Taliban leaders regarding access after that date. People who helped the UK are being abandoned due to a lack of proper coordination and planning. The Government's promises are not credible as they raid the aid budget to fund refugee programmes. There is an urgent need for a global humanitarian response coordinated through the United Nations.

Dominic Raab Con

Henley

The debate has highlighted the importance of Parliament expressing its concerns about the situation in Afghanistan. The Minister acknowledges contributions from various MPs, including those who expressed concern for women's rights and those who called for a concerted international response. He also mentioned support for ARAP, veterans' mental health issues, and the need to ensure that checks are in place to prevent harmful individuals from entering the UK.

Several hon. Members

Various interventions were made by several MPs asking questions regarding the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), international cooperation on humanitarian efforts, and the expansion of ARAP to cover additional groups at risk in Afghanistan.

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