Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has launched a scathing critique of the Conservative government, accusing it of ignoring repeated warnings about the risks of a disorderly withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The chaotic evacuation left many vulnerable Afghans stranded, with some later killed by the Taliban.
Wallace, who served as defence secretary during the crisis, revealed that ministers were alerted to potential dangers but failed to act decisively. "The government was warned," he stated. "Yet the response was inadequate, and the consequences were tragic."
Missed Opportunities and Preventable Losses
Labour's shadow defence secretary, John Healey, echoed Wallace's concerns, describing the evacuation as "a catastrophic failure of leadership." Healey emphasised that many lives could have been saved with better planning and coordination.
The criticism follows a damning report highlighting systemic failures in the UK's evacuation strategy, including delays in processing visas and a lack of safe routes for Afghan allies who had supported British forces.
Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability
The revelations have reignited debates over the government's handling of the crisis, with opposition MPs demanding an official inquiry. Wallace, who resigned from his post last year, has urged ministers to acknowledge the mistakes and learn from them.
Meanwhile, Downing Street has defended its actions, insisting that the evacuation—dubbed Operation Pitting—saved thousands of lives under extreme pressure. However, critics argue that the government’s complacency cost many their safety.
