Our Afghan debt

Hundreds of Afghans who acted as interpreters for US forces have recently arrived in America for resettlement with their families. With British and other Nato troops due to leave Afghanistan by the end of this month there is increasing urgency to remove local staff to a place of safety before the Taliban take the opportunity to recapture the territory they lost 20 years ago. Anyone who has worked with what were regarded as occupying forces will be at risk if the fundamentalists take over once more. So, why are the remaining interpreters who worked with the British Army not being brought out?

The Government says it has a programme and is running checks on applicants but nothing seems to be happening quickly enough. Despite paying lip service to calls for a political settlement, Taliban insurgents have mounted attacks on three of Afghanistan’s major cities outside of Kabul. Government troops have held the line but have been backed by Nato air cover, which will soon be removed. This country owes a debt to those who worked for the Army and has an obligation to overcome whatever obstacles that appear to be holding up their immediate resettlement. It is clear to everyone that they will be murdered if they are not rescued, as will their families. Some have been sent messages telling them they will be beheaded if the Taliban returns.

The MOD says it has already supported 2,200 Afghan former staff and their relatives to resettle. Be that as it may, those left behind must be brought out before the end of the month or it will be a black day for this country and its standing in the world.