‘Fair deal’ vow for our Afghan interpreters
AFGHAN interpreters who worked with British troops but were denied sanctuary here will get a better deal, ministers promised yesterday.
A government spokesman said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel recognised their ‘crucial service’ and would find a settlement.
The Daily Mail revealed yesterday that just two interpreters have been allowed into the UK under a scheme established two years ago.
Former defence secretary Gavin Williamson promised at the time that 50 interpreters would be given the green light along with their families.
Following urgent talks at the Ministry of Defence, sources close to Mr Wallace admitted ‘it is not good enough only two have come’.
The spokesman added: ‘The Home Secretary and Defence Secretary are committed to dealing with these legacy issues, and putting a fair system in place for those who have served this country.
‘When it comes to Afghan interpreters, the ministers absolutely recognise the crucial service they provided and that it’s right we resolve their settlement.’
One option could be to let in interpreters who served from 2006 onwards but quit their jobs because of death threats or expired contracts. Only interpreters who were made redundant and served in Helmand province for more than a year have been allowed into the UK so far.
The source said the ambition at the ‘minimum’ would be to change the criteria so more interpreters can come. Some officials believe this could take the total to dozens.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said in light of this newspaper’s revelations: ‘The Government acknowledges the important work which the Afghan interpreters did on behalf of the UK.’
The Mail’s award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign reported that interpreters have been shot at, intimidated and some have been killed by the Taliban because they worked with British forces during the Afghan conflict.
So far the Government has cast doubt on the claims of intimidation made by the interpreters and said the threats they faced did not warrant a visa to the UK. The Government allowed 445 interpreters plus their family members to come to Britain under the original scheme.
Interpreters gave a cautious welcome to the promises last night. One said: ‘We have heard hollow words so often before and we trust the Government will finally recognise the danger and sacrifice we have all made.’