Evacuations from Afghanistan Debate

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Hilary Benn

Main Page: Hilary Benn (Labour - Leeds South)

Evacuations from Afghanistan

Hilary Benn Excerpts
Thursday 26th May 2022

(2 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Cleverly Portrait James Cleverly
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The 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 seen before. I hear what my hon. Friend says about the specifics, and I will not be rushed into making conclusions about our response to the report. It deserves proper consideration, and that consideration will be given.

Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab)
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May I return to the position of the British Council contractors—a point that was raised by the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron)? Having to move from place to place costs money, and we all know that these people are in fear of their life. What are the Government doing to support them with those costs? I know of individuals who are sending money, but are the Government doing so?

Secondly, it is all very well to say that people can be considered for the resettlement scheme if they make it out of Afghanistan, but we really owe a debt of honour to these individuals, so surely we can tell them that they will get a place on the scheme if they manage to get out.