Contributions
1,953 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanLord Ahmad of Wimbledon has put a particular focus on supporting women in the judiciary, and women judges and politicians, as we recognise that they are particularly at risk, both…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanMy hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point, and I assure her that we will raise this issue with the Departments that are focused on the very point she has made.26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanI will raise this issue at the next opportunity in cross-government meetings on this.26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanOur presence in Afghanistan was a coalition one; this was done in close co-ordination with our international allies. When the decision was made by the US to withdraw, it was…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanThe hon. Lady highlights her constituent’s situation; it is reflective of the difficult situation that many Afghans face. We were presented with a uniquely difficult set of…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanMy hon. Friend makes the point that although the Select Committee’s report is important, and it will be read and assessed with seriousness, we did not want to wait before we made…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanOur response to the situation in Afghanistan has always, by its nature, been international. We continue to work with our friends in other Governments and with non-governmental…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanThe generosity of the people of the United Kingdom is huge, and I think the example that the hon. Gentleman gives will be replicated in many constituencies around the country. We…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanThe precise timing of the US departure from Afghanistan was not a date that was widely shared, and the pace of the Taliban’s advance was not information that was widely known. We…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanAs I said, we envisage up to 20,000 Afghans being resettled under the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme. We will work through that. I am sure the hon. Lady will understand that…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanThe Government have made a commitment to prioritising those people particularly at risk from persecution by the Taliban. That includes women and girls, human rights defenders,…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanThe Government are grateful to the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs for its inquiry and its detailed report. We will consider the report carefully and provide a written…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanThe ACRS process is designed to be robust but effective. We have listened to the hon. Lady’s suggestions, and I will ensure that my right hon. and hon. Friends who are involved…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanMany Members are trying to help their constituents. We have a system in place, and I strongly urge the hon. Lady to use it, because that is the most effective way of getting this…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanThe situation in Afghanistan moved incredibly quickly, and it forced a pressure on all international capitals that had a presence in Afghanistan, the likes of which we had not…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanOur desire is to protect as many people as we can from persecution by the Taliban. It is not possible for us to give blanket assurances because, of course, each application has to…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanMy hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. Although the eyes of the world have rightly moved to the appalling situation in Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion…26 May 2022HANSARDEvacuations from AfghanistanAs I said in my opening remarks, we will take the recommendations of the Foreign Affairs Committee very seriously. We have launched the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme, and…26 May 2022HANSARD UkraineThe hon. Gentleman makes a strong point about the need to bring this conflict to a successful conclusion, with Ukraine winning. I was struck by the point my hon. Friend the Member…25 May 2022HANSARD UkraineI can assure the hon. Gentleman that whatever conversations are necessary to ensure that Finland and Sweden successfully join NATO will happen. We enjoy a very strong bilateral…25 May 2022