Aug
18
Afghanistan
Author: Chloe Smith, Updated: 18 August 2021 14:16
Like everyone, I have been deeply concerned by the events in Afghanistan over the last few days. I welcome that the Prime Minister has recalled Parliament to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have worked with the United Kingdom to make Afghanistan a better place over the last twenty years. Many of them, particularly women, are now in urgent need of our help.
Today, the Government has announced the Afghanistan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme, which in its first year will resettle 5,000 Afghans who are most at risk of human rights abuses and degrading treatment, and up to 20,000 in the long term – prioritising women and girls who have been forced to flee their home or face threats of persecution from the Taliban to set up home in the UK permanently. This is in addition to existing programmes and routes already established and in operation.
The UK has a proud history of welcoming those fleeing persecution or oppression, and I am reassured that Government will always stand by all those around the world who need our help in their hour of need.
The Prime Minister has recently spoken with our NATO allies and welcomed the joined-up international efforts to get foreign nationals, Afghan contractors and humanitarian workers to safety in recent days.
The Home Office has already resettled over 3,300 Afghan staff and their families who have worked for the UK. The Home Office has also confirmed that it will continue to fulfil international obligations and moral commitments to people in Afghanistan with links to the UK. British nationals, former UK staff and other eligible people are being given assistance to travel to the UK.
As always, if I can help with this or any other matter, please do email me on chloe@chloesmith.org.uk or ring my constituency office on 01603 414756.
Chloe Smith