The SNP has said Boris Johnson (pictured) must “significantly increase” support for Afghan refugees – as the Prime Minister admits “there will be people who still need help” when UK forces leave Afghanistan.
With Armed Forces Minister James Heappey also admitting “We won’t get everybody out, there will be people who will be in danger who won’t be evacuated”, Stuart McDonald MP called for the Prime Minister to substantially increase the number of refugees the UK is willing to take and work with international partners to secure safe routes for evacuation, relocation and resettlement for refugees, interpreters and others left behind.
Commenting, SNP Shadow Home Secretary Stuart McDonald MP said:
“The UK government has had eighteen months to prepare for its withdrawal from Afghanistan – and ministers share responsibility for the chaos and danger of this foreign policy disaster.
“While our armed forces bravely evacuate those they can in the time that remains, the UK government must accept its full share of responsibility for the many vulnerable Afghan citizens who will be left behind in fear for their lives, safety and human rights.
“It is essential that Boris Johnson agrees to substantially increase the number of Afghan refugees the UK is willing to take, works with our international partners to secure safe routes for evacuation, relocation and resettlement, and completely reverses Tory cuts to international aid.
“It is absurd that the Prime Minister is avoiding scrutiny by choosing to keep the UK Parliament in recess until September but the SNP will continue to press for the UK government to significantly increase support for Afghan refugees and those in need of help.”
