UK ministry of Defense Faces Scrutiny Over Handling of Afghan Allies
An editorial in The Autonomous newspaper has sharply criticized the UK Ministry of Defence for its perceived failures in supporting Afghan citizens who worked with British forces, calling for accountability two years after the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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Hundreds of Afghans worked with the British army demanding their departure from Afghanistan
The Independent’s editorial highlights a lack of accountability within the Ministry of Defence concerning the welfare of Afghan nationals who assisted British military operations. The newspaper points out that no officials have been held responsible for the government’s inadequate response to the consequences of the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Moreover, the publication reports that no one has been held accountable for the leak of names belonging to thousands of Afghans whose lives are now reportedly at risk. The newspaper has spoken with several of these individuals who, two years on, are still awaiting approval for relocation to the UK.
These Afghans are described as living under constant threat, prompting some to seek escape from Afghanistan through various means, including one instance of an individual arriving in the UK by boat. This individual faced potential deportation to Rwanda before ultimately being granted permission to remain in the country.
The article notes that hundreds of individuals from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran are still awaiting recognition of obligation from the British state.
The Independent concludes by urging that this situation must not persist.It calls upon the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, John Healey, to address the issue, including identifying and holding accountable those responsible for what the newspaper terms a “shameful page” in the UK’s handling of its afghan allies.
