Thank you for contacting me about the situation in Afghanistan.
The entire international community has acknowledged that the world has been surprised by the speed at which the situation has deteriorated in Afghanistan. I commend the Prime Minister and Government for their swift and decisive response to events, fast-moving as they are, 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, the UK Government has implemented its contingency plans for evacuating British nationals and former staff in Afghanistan. 900 Military personnel have been deployed, 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.
The UK Government has also announced that up to 20,000 Afghan refugees will be resettled in the UK through a new Afghanistan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme, this stands by the Government’s commitment to help those around the world in their hour of need. In its first year, the scheme aims to 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. I have also been in contact with Flintshire County Council in regard to their plans for housing Afghan refugees.
The Prime Minister 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 Prime Minister 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.
At the UNSC on 16 August, the UK called on the Taliban to do three things immediately: (1) Cease all hostilities and military action, to ensure the protection of civilians and to allow the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and others who wish to leave; (2) Commit unequivocally not to harbour or give safe haven to terrorists groups which endanger other countries; and (3) Honour their promises to protect and uphold human rights, including those of women, girls and minorities.
If the Taliban continue to abuse basic human rights, they cannot expect to enjoy any legitimacy in the eyes of the Afghan people or the international community. The Foreign Secretary has been clear that everyone has an interest in ensuring that Afghanistan must not again become a safe-haven for terrorists. The Taliban have to understand that they will be accountable for that, and for any abuses that take place on their watch. I am assured by the Prime Minister that HM Government, using every political and diplomatic means at its disposal, is now urgently engaged upon the tasks at hand, and to holding the Taliban to account.
I have also released a statement regarding the situation in Afghanistan, this can be found on my website at https://www.rjroberts.co.uk/news/statement-afghanistan.
Please be assured that I will be following developments very closely.