The UK government is facing renewed pressure to accelerate the resettlement of Afghan citizens who supported British forces during the Afghanistan conflict, as concerns grow over their safety under Taliban rule.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stark warning, highlighting the increasing danger faced by Afghan allies left behind after the withdrawal of Western troops. He criticised the current pace of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), describing it as "far too slow" given the imminent threats.
Growing Backlog of At-Risk Cases
Official figures reveal that thousands of applications from vulnerable Afghans remain unresolved, with many facing direct threats from the Taliban due to their association with UK forces. The situation has become particularly dire for interpreters and support staff who worked alongside British troops.
"These brave individuals stood with us when we needed them most," Healey stated. "Now it's our moral duty to protect them and their families from Taliban persecution."
Government Response Under Scrutiny
The Ministry of Defence maintains that processing applications takes time due to necessary security checks, but critics argue the system lacks the urgency required by the life-or-death nature of these cases.
With winter approaching and Taliban crackdowns intensifying, campaigners warn that delays could prove fatal for many at-risk Afghans. The call for action comes as reports emerge of former UK-affiliated personnel facing torture, imprisonment or execution under the new regime.
