Luke’s statement on the situation in Afghanistan

16th August, 2021

Commenting on the situation in Afghanistan, as the Taliban takes control after the withdrawal of British, US and coalition forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

“I am very concerned about the withdrawal of US, British and coalition forces from Afghanistan.

Plymouth is a military city and over the past twenty years huge numbers of people from Plymouth have served in Afghanistan and sadly, many have lost their lives. I understand entirely people looking at the images of the Taliban taking control of the country and asking why we have pulled out, was our action worth it?

I am very worried about the situation. There are people from Plymouth currently in Afghanistan trying to leave – my team and I are trying to help a number of families get out safely – if you have loved ones from Plymouth in that situation please get in touch as we are in regular contact with the Foreign Office.

I am especially concerned about the brilliant female leaders in Afghanistan who have done so much to move the country on in the past twenty years, the people making strides in LGBT rights, the community leaders and those who supported coalition forces, including interpreters and their families. The way they have been dealt with has been shameful and they deserve so much better.”

If you know someone who is stuck in Afghanistan or impacted by this, please contact us on luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk

Though Parliament is being recalled on Wednesday 18 August for a statement from the government on Afghanistan, Luke will be staying in Plymouth to support the community in Plymouth after the tragedy in Keyham last week.