WHAT we are witnessing in Afghanistan is a humanitarian crisis.
Many people there now fear oppression, dehumanising treatment and death — especially women, girls, persecuted minorities and brave Afghans who worked with our soldiers and diplomats.
When I went to Kabul, I was particularly struck by the progress made for women. At long last, girls were going to school.
Women were enjoying a totally different level of freedom.
This would not have been possible without heroic locals who worked with us and our allies. Now we must have their backs.
So we must do all we can to get them, and the few Brits left in Afghanistan, to safety.
Home Office staff are working around the clock to do just that.
We have Border Force teams there and in Dubai.
I am personally working through cases, in constant contact with our committed team on the ground, helping to coordinate an international response.
I’m in close contact with my counterparts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA and elsewhere.
Dubai is providing an essential hub for the refuelling of planes and national security checks.
I am also imploring our European neighbours to do all they can.
Providing sanctuary
Since June, we’ve welcomed well over 2,000 to the UK from amongst the Afghans and their families who risked their lives to work with us.
Now we are looking to provide sanctuary for thousands more.
These new routes to the UK are in line with the Government’s New Plan for Immigration.
We have never said anything about shutting the door to new migrants or refugees. But I know the public expects us to control who comes here.
And a crisis like this underlines the vital importance of prioritising those in genuine need.
The UK will not be found wanting. We will do right by those who need us most in this darkest of hours.
