- The UK government is facing strong strong criticism for ending evacuation support for nearly 9,000 Afghan allies eligible for relocation, effectively leaving them without a safe route out of Afghanistan.
- Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed on Tuesday that these Afghans must now independently travel to a third country, such as Pakistan, to receive housing and visa assistance from the UK.
- MPs, campaigners, and lawyers have condemned the decision as “shocking and deeply disappointing”, saying it is a moral and legal failure towards those who assisted British forces.
- Colonel Simon Diggins, a former defence attaché, stressed the UK's “moral responsibility” to these individuals, who continue to face threats from the Taliban.
- Concerns were raised about the substantial debt Afghans incur to reach a third country and the risk of deportation they face even after arriving in places like Pakistan.
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