A top Foreign Office official has come under fire after it was revealed he took a holiday during the chaotic Afghanistan evacuation in 2021 – only to retire months later with a hefty taxpayer-funded payoff.
Sir Philip Barton, the former Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, was on leave during the Taliban takeover, leaving junior staff to handle the crisis. Despite criticism over his absence, he later received a significant payout upon stepping down.
Holiday During Crisis
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show Sir Philip was absent for part of the evacuation, raising questions about leadership during one of the UK's most challenging diplomatic emergencies. While British nationals and Afghan allies scrambled to flee Kabul, the senior diplomat was reportedly enjoying time off.
Lucrative Exit
After retiring in 2023, Barton received a payoff worth tens of thousands of pounds, despite his controversial handling of the Afghanistan crisis. The revelation has sparked anger among MPs and veterans, who accuse him of failing in his duty.
Whitehall Under Scrutiny
The case has reignited debates over accountability in the civil service, with critics arguing that senior officials often escape consequences for mismanagement. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has defended Barton's record, stating he played a 'key role' in the evacuation.
However, whistleblowers claim the operation was marred by disorganisation, with junior staff left to make life-or-death decisions without proper guidance.
