Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Safe Passage from Afghanistan

Tuesday 26 October 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government continues to ensure safe passage for eligible individuals who wish to leave Afghanistan.
  • Three routes have been established for British nationals, Afghan nationals, and those who supported the UK directly.
  • Over 500 eligible individuals have been able to leave Afghanistan since 28 August, with more than 400 British nationals and their dependants assisted on Qatar-chartered flights.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Farry
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern about the safety and well-being of vulnerable Afghans seeking to leave Afghanistan.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to assist vulnerable Afghans leave Afghanistan to places of safety?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Government continue to do all they can to ensure safe passage of eligible individuals who wish to leave Afghanistan. The UK has had constructive engagement with near neighbours, led by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon. British nationals are facilitated and supported in their exit from Afghanistan through Qatar Airways flights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions for vulnerable Afghans were not detailed

How: Constructive Engagement With Near Neighbours

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Q2 Neale Hanvey
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Members have constituents seeking refuge or safe passage from Afghanistan and are concerned about their loved ones.

Question

What more can the Government do to assist hon. Members to alleviate the anguish and distress of constituents with loved ones in Afghanistan? Will the Government commit to working with Members to secure safe passage?

Answer from James Cleverly

Three routes have been set up: for British nationals through the Foreign Office, Afghan nationals through the Home Office, and those who supported us directly through the ARAP scheme. The Prime Minister's High Representative for Afghanistan, Simon Gass, and Dr Martin Longden travelled to Afghanistan on 5 October to hold direct talks with the Taliban.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to secure safe passage was not given

How: Constructive Engagement, Direct Talks With The Taliban

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Q3 Stephen Farry
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern about transparency in evacuation operations outside ARAP and Operation Pitting.

Question

How many people were called forward for evacuation, how many were evacuated, and how many remain in Afghanistan?

Answer from James Cleverly

Since 28 August, over 500 more individuals eligible to come to the UK have been able to leave Afghanistan. More than 400 British nationals and their dependants were assisted to leave on Qatar-chartered flights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Total number of eligible people could not be assessed clearly

How: Almost Impossible For Us To Assess With Clarity

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