Borders MP, John Lamont, has commented on the situation in Afghanistan.
He has called for all those Afghans who have helped the British effort in the country to be evacuated as quickly as possible. Mr Lamont has also called for the UK Government to set up a substantial refugee scheme to be put in place for Afghans fleeing the Taliban regime.
John Lamont MP said:
“The situation in Afghanistan is extremely alarming. I cannot imagine how frightening it must be for those British nationals, and those who helped our Armed Forces, still in Kabul and in other areas of Afghanistan.
“I know that the British Ambassador to Afghanistan is remaining in Kabul alongside his staff who are working day and night to process applications for evacuation.
“The priority of the UK Government is to evacuate all British nationals and those who have assisted the British effort. It is welcome to see plane loads of people already safely arriving back in the UK at RAF Brize Norton.
“I don’t think anyone wants to see Afghanistan fall back into the hard-line ideals of the Taliban. This would be catastrophic for the people there, no more so than the women who are treated as second class citizens. Similarly, it could act as a breeding ground for terrorism, posing a risk to lives on our shores as well.
“I therefore want to see a substantial refugee scheme put in place for Afghans fleeing.
“I want to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Foreign Office and our Armed Forces who are working around the clock to evacuate people safely from what appears to be an ever deteriorating situation.”
Commenting on the situation of Paul Farthing and his animal welfare charity, Nowzad, John Lamont MP said:
“I know a lot of Borderers are very concerned about the workers and animals at Nowzad.
“Paul and his team do a great job in challenging circumstances.
“I am speaking to the Foreign Office about this situation. I know they are acutely aware of the dangers facing them and are working tirelessly to find a solution.”
