FIERY Dominic Raab today hit back at claims he was paddle-boarding as Kabul fell – insisting “the sea was actually closed”.
The embattled Foreign Secretary insisted allegations he was lounging on the beach in his Crete resort were “nonsense”.
He spoke for the first time on camera since facing fresh accusations he declined an urgent call with his Afghan counterpart on Friday 13.
Mr Raab told Sky News: “We were focused overwhelmingly on securing the airport and making sure I was engaged in meetings.
“The sea was actually closed, it was a red notice.”
“That stuff about me lounging around on the beach or stuff about me paddle-boarding – nonsense.
“I was focused on the Cobra meetings, the Foreign Office team, the director general, and the international engagement.
“And as a result of the actions of the Government, 9000 people – British nationals, Afghan workers – were secured back to the UK.”
Mr Raab returned from his five-star luxury family retreat at the Amirandes resort on the Greek isle on the night of Sunday, August 15.
This morning he dismissed reports he had “nobbled” Boris Johnson to stay longer.
He refused to reveal details of his conversation with the PM but was adamant his focus was on the escalating crisis in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Sec – Boris’ ranking Minister – said: “I was focused on two things – securing the airport, so that flights evacuation flights could come in and out.
“Secondly, boosting our teams on the ground. We now have 19 Foreign Office officials, many Home Office officials, so we can process not just the UK nationals but the Afghans who work for us.”
This breaking story is being updated
