Afghanistan: Interpreters

(asked on 2nd February 2021) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to Afghan counterpart on the recent execution of Afghan interpreters who served alongside the UK's armed forces; and what assessment he has made of the ongoing security risks faced by interpreters still living in Afghanistan.


Answered by
Nigel Adams Portrait
Nigel Adams
This question was answered on 8th February 2021

Her Majesty's Government regularly speaks to the Afghan authorities on a range of issues. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister for South Asia, discussed concerns around ongoing security issues and targeted killings with the Afghan Foreign Minister Atmar on 18 January.

We recognise the vital role local staff, including interpreters, have played in supporting the UK's activities in Afghanistan over the last decade. That is why, as well as offering a generous redundancy package in recognition of this service, we have a permanent expert team based in Kabul to thoroughly investigate claims of intimidation. They assist with relocations within Afghanistan and, where necessary, relocation to the UK. So far, Her Majesty's Government has supported over 1,300 Afghan interpreters and their families to build new lives in the UK. A further 350 staff have benefitted from our in-country finance and training packages. The UK government is constantly reviewing its policies in relation to local staff. Whilst I cannot provide details for operational security reasons, we take necessary measures to mitigate the risks to all our staff.

Reticulating Splines