Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government why they decided to request the closure of the Afghan Embassy in London and whether Afghan communities, including women and girls, were consulted.

The State of Afghanistan decided to close the Afghan Embassy in London and dismiss its staff. This decision was not made by the UK Government. UK policy towards Afghanistan has not changed, especially regarding women and girls. In line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Afghanistan is responsible for the appointment and termination of staff at its embassies. We recognise the closure of the embassy is likely to create challenges for Afghans in the UK who require consular services.

The FCDO recommends against all travel to Afghanistan.