Afghanistan Inquiry into UK Withdrawal 2021-11-15
2021-11-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over the merits and need for an independent inquiry into the UK's withdrawal from Afghanistan, following extensive scrutiny by various government bodies.
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of an independent inquiry into the UK withdrawal of personnel from Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence has conducted lessons-learned exercises post Op Pitting and on decisions to withdraw from Afghanistan, but there is a need for clarity through an independent review given ongoing Government inquiries.
The Ministry of Defence has carried out extensive and robust lessons-learned exercises in response to events in Afghanistan, including for Op Pitting, the non-combatant evacuation operation. Lessons have been recycled into our NEO plans, and numerous inquiries are already underway across Government to scrutinise both withdrawal decisions and the campaign.
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Assessment & feedback
The merit of an independent inquiry specifically was not addressed beyond noting existing inquiries.
Acknowledging Ongoing Government Inquiries
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses confusion over the UK's withdrawal from Afghanistan, particularly with differing statements made by former Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister.
Does the Minister accept there is confusion and contradiction in the UK Government's portrayal of the withdrawal from Afghanistan? The hon. Member cites examples such as the former Foreign Secretary stating that the Taliban takeover was “faster than anyone anticipated” while the PM stated it had been clear for months the situation could change quickly.
The hon. Lady conflates two issues. The Doha agreement signed by President Trump put us in a position where we had to decide between re-engaging the Taliban or leaving this year. As for Op Pitting, I do not recognise her characterisation of what was an extraordinarily successful military operation.
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Assessment & feedback
The contradictions themselves were acknowledged but dismissed rather than addressed specifically.
Dismissing The Contradiction As Conflating Two Issues
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question seeks to express gratitude and appreciation for UK armed forces personnel involved in Op Pitting, with a planned event on November 24th.
I very much agree with the Minister that Op Pitting was a superbly successful operation. Members of all parties are invited to welcome soldiers who carried out this brilliant mission at Carriage Gates and Westminster Hall on Wednesday 24 November after Prime Minister's Question Time.
I did not spot a question in there, but I think that we are all looking forward to that event as much as my hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
No substantive response was provided about the merits of Op Pitting or its success.
Not Addressing The Question
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question questions why France was better prepared than the UK to evacuate Afghans who supported French efforts in Afghanistan, suggesting similar intelligence might have been available.
There is no question that the bravery and professionalism of UK armed forces personnel certainly got the Government out of a hole when it came to Op Pitting. One issue needing an inquiry is why France was better prepared in May to evacuate Afghans supporting French efforts, along with their families, 90 days before the fall of Kabul.
The hon. Gentleman might want to check the date on which Foreign Office advice to leave Afghanistan changed, as it aligned with French timelines. From that moment, a resettlement scheme for moving MOD-entitled civilians out commenced; about 1,500 people were removed before Kabul fell.
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Assessment & feedback
The core issue of UK intelligence analysis was not addressed beyond noting the timeline.
Focusing On Dates And Timelines Rather Than Analysis
Response accuracy