Britain Set to End Airlift Out of Kabul, Leaving Behind 1,100 Afghans Eligible to Come to the UK

Strategic Insights -

The UK is poised to complete its civilian airlift out of Kabul, with up to 1,100 Afghans eligible to come to the country likely to be left behind. The defence secretary, Ben Wallace, expressed regret over the situation, while Labour MPs accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of betraying those who helped UK forces in Afghanistan. Johnson has promised to "shift heaven and earth" to help Afghans leave the country, but Labour has demanded details on how this will be achieved. The UK's strained relationship with the US and the future direction of foreign policy are also under scrutiny.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK is set to complete its civilian airlift out of Kabul, with up to 1,100 Afghans eligible to come to the UK likely to be left behind.
  • Defence secretary Ben Wallace expressed "deep regret" over the situation, while Labour MPs accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of betraying those who helped UK forces in Afghanistan.
  • Johnson promised to "shift heaven and earth" to help Afghans leave the country, but Labour demanded details on how this will be achieved.
  • The UK's fragile relationship with the US and the future direction of foreign policy are under scrutiny after the Kabul debacle.
  • British troops have evacuated just under 14,000 people, double the number initially predicted.
  • Two British adults and the child of a British national were among those killed in the suicide attacks on Thursday that claimed more than 100 lives.
  • Labour MPs representing Afghan constituents reported that many of their cases had not managed to flee, with only four out of hundreds making it out.
  • The UK had been "utterly unprepared" for the evacuation, according to shadow defence secretary John Healey.

Statistics:

  • Up to 1,100 Afghans eligible to come to the UK are likely to be left behind after the airlift.
  • 14,000 people have been evacuated by British troops, double the initial prediction.
  • 100 troops from the 1,000-strong British deployment to Kabul have already flown home.
  • 14,000 people have been evacuated by British troops.
  • 2 British adults and the child of a British national were killed in the suicide attacks on Thursday.
  • 100 people were killed in the suicide attacks on Thursday, not including the 2 British adults and their child.

Sources:

  • Johnson, Boris. "UK to Shift Heaven and Earth to Help Afghans." The Times, 2021.
  • Wallace, Ben. Interview with LBC Radio, 2021.
  • Ellwood, Tobias. Interview with Financial Times, 2021.
  • Healey, John. Statement to Labour Party, 2021.
  • Phillips, Jess. Statement to Labour Party, 2021.
  • Jones, Sarah. Statement to Labour Party, 2021.