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Afghanistan: UK Government Policy — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]
10 January 2024
Lead MP
Tobias Ellwood
Bournemouth East
Con
Responding Minister
Andrew Mitchell
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13458
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Tobias Ellwood raised concerns about afghanistan: uk government policy — [dr rupa huq in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Engage with the Taliban-led government more proactively to influence improvements in human rights conditions and stability. Reopen the UK embassy in Afghanistan to better understand the situation on the ground.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The war in Afghanistan was costly and complex, with the country now facing economic collapse, human rights violations, and a resurgence of terrorism. The population feels abandoned by the international community, despite needing humanitarian aid and support to prevent radicalisation among young people. The economy is estimated to have about two years before it collapses, affecting 28 million people who need humanitarian aid.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Ms Alison Thewliss addressed the concerns raised by her constituents about previous comments made and the Home Office's response to Afghan refugees. She highlighted issues with delays in family reunion visas, failure of ARAP and ACRS schemes, and urged for more pressure on these programmes. Ms Thewliss also mentioned that the UK has taken only 0.2% of Afghan refugees, urging further action for those left behind who worked for British forces or associated entities.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
The MP highlighted the UK's historical responsibility towards Afghanistan following its near collapse after international financial support withdrawal. He raised concerns about providing aid without legitimising a brutal Taliban regime and stressed the importance of protecting Afghans who fled to neighbouring countries like Pakistan, especially those trained by British forces.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Ms Catherine West paid tribute to the British servicemen and women who died in Afghanistan, highlighting the legacy left behind despite the Taliban's return. She questioned the conditions for re-engaging with Afghanistan, including freedom of religion or belief and human rights safeguarding. Ms West also urged the Minister to outline further humanitarian response from the UK and address the issue of at-risk Afghans facing deportation from Pakistan.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Called the Taliban an 'evil organisation' and emphasised the need for conditional aid based on human rights. He highlighted the plight of a constituent who worked with British forces in Afghanistan but is unable to secure a visa, citing his family's safety threats.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Mr Lewis discussed the impracticality of rapid societal transformation in Afghanistan, arguing that containment rather than direct intervention is a more realistic approach. He expressed concern over Pakistan's potential to shift towards radical elements and the security implications for nuclear weapons. Mr Lewis also highlighted the need to protect Afghan groups who collaborated with NATO efforts.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
He questioned the right hon. Member about the potential terrorist threat from Afghanistan, referencing the previous UK Prime Minister's AfPak strategy that addressed fears of Islamist intent combined with weapons of mass destruction capabilities in Pakistan. Asked whether Jim Shannon agreed with Mr Ellwood on the importance of political curiosity and saying unconventional things.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
I am concerned about the lack of clarity in government policy regarding Afghanistan and urge for a more transparent approach to decision-making. Ms Chamberlain criticised the lack of improvement in women's rights in Afghanistan despite international discussions and meetings. She highlighted that girls are banned from education after primary school, women face restrictions on employment, and there is an increase in arrests including politically motivated ones. She urged the Government to set out a plan for putting pressure on the Taliban to improve conditions. Asked if the Minister would give way.
Government Response
Andrew Mitchell
Government Response
The Government remains committed to a leading role in the humanitarian response for Afghanistan, with £600 million in aid disbursed since 2021. The UK aims to reach at least 50% of people with women and girls being the focus, supporting 125,000 Afghan children's access to education last year. Since August 2021, efforts have been made to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Kabul when security allows but recognition of the Taliban is not imminent due to human rights concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.