Everyone will now be aware of the distressing scenes that have been unfolding in Afghanistan. I have received a significant amount of correspondence with varying views about what government action should be taken with intervening in the country and taking in refugees.
The entire international community has acknowledged that the world has been surprised by the speed at which the situation has deteriorated in Afghanistan. The Government is having to respond swiftly and decisively to very fast-moving events and indeed to this new reality.
The safety of British Nationals, deployed military personnel, and Afghans who risked their lives working alongside the UK is the Government's immediate priority at this time. In recent days, our Government has implemented its contingency plans for evacuating British nationals and former staff in Afghanistan. 900 Military personnel have been deployed to Kabul, together with the Foreign Office Rapid Deployment Team – all of whom are working to support consular personnel and facilitate the safe passage of these persons out of Afghanistan. I commend these efforts, and all involved.
Since 21 April, we have advised that all British nationals come home and on 6th August we asked the remaining British nationals to leave Afghanistan immediately. However, the situation has deteriorated very quickly – my office and I have been assisting residents and their dependents who require support and I would urge any British nationals that have not already registered with the FCDO to contact +44 (0)1908 516666 or email [email protected]
The Government has also announced its plans to support the resettlement of thousands of Afghans via the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme, for further information on this visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/afghan-citizens-resettlement-scheme
The PM has been very clear that any international recognition of a new government in Afghanistan must happen on a coordinated basis. As G7 President, the UK will work to unite the international community behind a clear plan for dealing with this regime in a unified and concerted way. The legitimacy of any government must also be subject to the upholding of internationally agreed standards on human rights and inclusivity. I am assured that the UK will continue to use its G7 Presidency as well as membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and NATO, and strong relations with like-minded regional partners, to ensure this is the case.
The PM has spoken with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, UN Secretary General António Guterres, and with President Biden, President Macron, Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Khan to this end. Likewise, the Foreign Secretary has been leading the efforts of the Foreign Office throughout, speaking to a wide range of counterparts, including those from Pakistan, Qatar and the US.
If anyone is struggling as a result of the recent events in Afghanistan, there is support available. You can find the contact details below, or please contact my office and we will direct you to the appropriate organisation: www.gov.uk/government/news/support-for-veterans
We must and are doing more, and my ministerial colleagues are committed to this. If you have any questions or queries regarding the information in this post or the situation, do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
