The situation in Afghanistan is moving quickly. Latest updates from the MOD can be found on the government's website: click here.
I have received regular updates from my colleagues at the MOD, Home Office and FCDO and been assured that our capable Armed Forces have been doing everything possible to maximise the number of people brought to the UK in the window available. The despicable bomb attack on both Afghan civilians and armed forces clearly impacted operations on the ground. Nearly 15,000 people have been evacuated in the last few weeks under ‘Operation Pitting’ (including British nationals, as well as almost 8,000 Afghans eligible under the UK's relocation scheme for those who worked for the UK government and other vulnerable individuals).
Unfortunately, not everyone has made it out and several hundred people eligible to depart to the UK (eligible to leave Afghans and approximately 100 to 150 Britons) remain in Afghanistan.
After the 31st August, safe passage for these people – and other refugees and vulnerable people who want to leave Afghanistan will be the top condition for future engagement with the Taliban. The British government will continue to work with partners to facilitate the departure of those who still need to leave but who have not made it on to the evacuation flights.
The situation is, of course, developing every day and I will be following developments very closely – as I’m sure we all will.
