Powys politicians back calls for UK to assist with Afghan refugee effort

Earlier this week the Taliban seized control of the war-torn country following the withdrawal of US forces from the region and subsequent collapse of the government.

Shocking scenes from Kabul airport in the capital showed thousands of Afghans attempting to leave the country on air force jets, with the UK Government now committed to taking 20,000 refugees, a call supported by Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams.

Last month, Powys County Council also said it had agreed to host families from the region as part of a resettlement programme.

"Like many, I have been deeply worried by the scenes we have witnessed in Afghanistan over recent weeks. I supported the recall of Parliament and have taken part in the House of Commons today," said Mr Williams.

"The Home Secretary announced that the Home Office is preparing a bespoke settlement scheme for Afghan refugees, with 20,000 refugees planned to be taken in by the UK. I am pleased that Powys County Council has committed to help with the resettlement of some of these refugees.

"The UK has already made steps prior to the Taliban takeover to support interpreters and their families. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) has already supported over 3,100 former Afghan staff and their families to start new lives in the UK, with more than 1,800 of them arriving over the last few weeks. We must continue this important work and support those who supported us."

"More broadly the new Taliban Regime must make its objectives for governance clear. It must never become a hotbed for international terrorism again. While the warm words by the Taliban do provide a glimmer of hope, we must hold them accountable for their actions. It is clear we cannot act in isolation and I welcome the current united response emerging from both the UN and NATO.

"As with every international crisis, the professionalism and bravery of our diplomatic core and military capability is on display to all. I pay huge tribute to those currently deployed to help the evacuation of Kabul and wider Afghanistan. Our Ambassador is demonstrating the very best of what it means to be a UK Diplomat, on the ground assisting asylum requests."

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS

Meanwhile Welsh Liberal Democrat leader and mid Wales MS Jane Dodds called on the Welsh Government to ensure it is prepared to play its part over the coming months, and backed called for the UK Government to "stick to its commitments" to the Afghan people.

"The return to Taliban rule across Afghanistan will mean a return to appalling human rights standards, especially for women and minority groups," she said.

"The UK must stick to its commitment to evacuate and provide sanctuary to those who have provided assistance to western forces over the past 20-years, but it should not stop there. Millions will be fearing for their lives, including those who have made efforts to build democracy in the country, not least woman’s rights activists, teachers, charity workers and civil servants.

"While the power is ultimately reserved to Westminster, Wales must be prepared to do its bit and provide assistance to Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban. We must make good on our promise to be a nation of sanctuary. Wales has a proud history of helping those in need and we should not shy away from it now. We must fulfil our moral duty and embrace those who are seeking safety and sanctuary in the UK, particularly children and their families."

Montgomeryshire MS and shadow Welsh Health Secretary Russell George also added his support.

"The situation in Afghanistan is shocking and appalling," he said.

"The images over the past few days have been desperately sad, and it’s imperative that both the Welsh and UK governments pull out all the stops to help those who are now vulnerable in their hour of need."