The Defence Secretary has admitted Afghans who are trying to flee to Britain will have to escape the Taliban themselves and make their own way to the border.
Ben Wallace said "no nation will be able to get everyone out" and British soldiers will not be able to stay and assist the evacuation process beyond August 31 if US troops are withdrawn.
"Time is ticking" Mr Wallace said in the Mail on Sunday, before adding a plea for the US to extend their deadline.
“If the US timetable remains, we have no time to lose to get the majority of the people waiting out," the Cabinet minister said
“Perhaps the Americans will be permitted to stay longer, and they will have our complete support if they do.”
But Tony Blair, said Britain has a “moral obligation” to stay until “all those who need to be are evacuated”.
He urged for there to be “no repetition of arbitrary deadlines” – a reference to Washington’s Doha agreement with the Taliban, committing to vacate Afghanistan in time for the 9/11 anniversary – in the rescue mission.
“We must evacuate and give sanctuary to those to whom we have responsibility – those Afghans who helped us and stood by us and have a right to demand we stand by them,” said the former Labour Party leader.
“There must be no repetition of arbitrary deadlines.
“We have a moral obligation to keep at it until all those who need to be are evacuated.
“And we should do so not grudgingly but out of a deep sense of humanity and responsibility.”
Mr Blair defended his own decision making in 2001 when he worked with former US president George Bush and Nato allies to avenge the New York World Trade Centre attack.
His comments come as US President Joe Biden signalled he wanted evacuations from Kabul airport completed by the end of the month as he prepares to withdraw all American troops – a move that would likely force Britain to wrap up its operation at the same time.
Armed forces minister James Heappey said there have been improvements in the situation at a Kabul hotel where Britons and Afghans eligible for repatriation are being processed, following reports earlier this weekend that it had been blockaded by the Taliban.
Speaking to broadcasters, the Afghan veteran said: “I can tell you that in the last 24-hour period, 1,721 have been airlifted from Kabul by the Royal Air Force, and that’s across eight Royal Air Force flights.
“I’m actually very grateful to the Royal Australian Air Force, who have also made some planes available and have been part of the effort over the past 24 hours as well.
Mr Wallace announced a series of ‘processing hubs’ that will be set up in countries neighbouring Afghanistan for refugees who manage to escape.
If they can establish their right to come to the UK, they will be flown to Britain.
“It is a source of deep sadness for many of us across Nato, and no one wanted 20 years of sacrifice to end this way.
“We will do our best to the ver last moment.”
It comes as seven Afghan civilians have died in the chaotic crowds near Kabul airport, the Ministry of Defence confirmed earlier today.
