-
LGBTQ+ Afghans are among the most vulnerable, facing multiple threats including public humiliation, forced marriages, torture, and advocacy for the death penalty. The speaker calls for safe haven in the UK and criticises the Government's record of deporting 15,000 Afghans over a decade.
-
Mr. Blunt welcomed the Home Office's commitment to provide a point of entry for advice on assisting LGBT people in making asylum claims, expressed interest in knowing how many Afghan citizens were evacuated by the UK operation during Operation Pitting, and acknowledged the new Minister's continued responsibility for Afghan resettlement.
-
Ms. Eshalomi thanked Mr. Blunt for highlighting work in Lambeth, a local area, and asked the Minister to explain how the UK will continue supporting LGBT people both within the country and those seeking safe haven.
-
Congratulated the hon. Lady on introducing the debate, expressing concern about the lack of tailored responses from the Government to individual cases involving LGBTQ+ Afghans.
-
I highlighted the plight of lesbians and bisexual women who face double discrimination for both their sex and sexuality. I called on the Minister to support LGBTQI+ individuals who reach neighbouring host countries, coordinate an international response, create safe routes to the UK, and treat people humanely upon arrival. Questions were raised about current deportations of Afghans and problematic aspects of the Nationality and Borders Bill, including the burden of proof for those with hidden lives.
-
Mr. Nicolson shared a personal account of a young gay teacher in Kabul who was unable to escape during the evacuation, highlighting the severe risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and calling for renewed hope and sanctuary for those left behind.
-
Shared concern about the lack of information and advice for those trapped in Afghanistan or neighbouring countries on how to access the new settlement scheme.
-
Congratulated the hon. Member for Jarrow on securing the debate, expressing concern about the Bill's potential impact on LGBTQ+ refugees' ability to provide evidence in camp environments.
-
Asked whether transferring LGBTQ Afghans to other countries through the Afghan relocations and assistance scheme should be done sensitively. Mr. Docherty asked the hon. Lady to clarify what the statement means for Members present today.
-
The MP expresses concern about the persecution faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and calls for the Government to commit to supporting refugees, including permanent residence upon arrival. The speaker cites a record of 15,000 deportations under this government and highlights local efforts to welcome LGBTQI+ people.
-
Ms Blake criticised the UK's record on supporting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and highlighted conflicting departmental statements regarding refugees' treatment. She questioned the training relevant staff would receive on dealing with transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia, particularly concerning neighbouring countries' situations. Ms Blake also raised concerns about the Nationality and Borders Bill impacting refugee resettlement positively.
-
Mr Gibson expressed concern over the Taliban's persecution of LGBT+ individuals in Afghanistan and highlighted the UK's role in supporting refugees under the Afghan citizens' resettlement scheme. He urged swift support for those wishing to leave while also stressing the importance of holding the Taliban accountable on human rights.
-
I have serious concerns for the LGBTQ+ community in Afghanistan and in third countries, believing that systems are insufficient to provide necessary security and confidentiality. I urge the Minister to take the lead on this issue and address specific risks such as sting operations targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. There is a need to prioritise these people under the Afghan citizens' resettlement scheme and amend the Nationality and Borders Bill to ensure they receive a warm welcome in the UK.
-
The MP agrees with the lead MP's concerns regarding the need to prioritise LGBTQ+ refugees in resettlement programmes and expresses worry about potential risks involved under current policies. Stephen Doughty expressed his personal connection to the debate, highlighting the issues faced by LGBT+ asylum seekers in Afghanistan and the challenges they encounter within the UK's immigration system. He also raised concerns about the risks LGBT+ individuals face when seeking refuge in neighbouring countries with repressive regimes. He cited a Stonewall report that highlighted trans asylum seekers facing threats of violence in detention.