Afghanistan

The situation which has unfolded in Afghanistan is shocking and terribly regrettable. It is simply not good enough for world leaders to say the speed of the Taliban advance took them by surprise, when many have been warning of this for months. There has either been a monumental failing of our intelligence services or an unacceptable lack of transparency. Either way the Government has reacted too late.

In 2010, I worked (pictured) as a Humanitarian Aid Doctor in the North West Frontier Province, on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, following the flood crisis. I met many people who had suffered unimaginable pain at the hands of the Taliban.

I am continuing to receive a high volume of emails from local residents concerned about loved ones in Afghanistan. Myself and my team are working to respond as quickly as possible. If you are worried about someone, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing their details to [email protected]. Please include the following information so I can take action quickly:

• Your full Tooting address
• Your relative’s full name
• Your relative’s date of birth
• Your relative’s passport number
• Your relative’s nationality 

The British consulate remains in full operation in Kabul. The Foreign Office advises British nationals and their family members phone +44 (0)19 0851 6666 and select the option ‘Consular services for British nationals’. Non-British nationals should phone +44 (0)24 7538 9980. Both phone lines are staffed 24 hours a day. 

We must not allow history to repeat itself. Careless leadership from the Prime Minister enabled this tragedy to happen on his watch, while he had taken his eye off the ball. The world must not turn its back on the Afghan people.

Following the recall of Parliament on Wednesday, I remain in close contact with my colleagues in the Shadow Foreign Team and will continue to be on hand to support local residents through this. 

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