Afghan Special Forces Relocation Review

In a statement to the House of Commons, the minister provided an update on the ongoing review of Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme applications from former members of Afghan specialist units, including Commando Force 333 and Afghan Task Force 444, commonly known as the Triples. These Afghans had worked alongside UK armed forces in Afghanistan, with some losing their lives in the fight. The minister acknowledged that the review, which was announced by the previous government, has taken longer than initially intended. However, the minister confirmed that key issues have now been identified and resolved, and the government is making important progress, with eligible former Triples and their families being invited to relocate to the UK. The minister explained that the review is being carried out by staff who have not previously worked on those applications, including independent caseworkers. Approximately 2,000 such applications are within the scope of the review, and more than three-quarters have so far been reassessed. The minister revealed that the review has uncovered evidence of payments from the UK government to members of Afghan specialist units, including CF333 and ATF444, which demonstrates a direct employment relationship. This contradicts the position reported to Parliament by the previous government that no such evidence existed. The minister acknowledged the delay in the review process and the impact it has had on the pace at which eligible individuals can be relocated to safety. However, the minister assured the House that if a decision is overturned as part of the review, applicants will be informed immediately, and the relocation process can then begin. The minister stated that the government is committed to understanding how and why the error occurred, and that officials will now review and renew efforts to improve information flows and processes to ensure that such mistakes do not happen again. The minister expressed confidence that the government will be able to relocate those eligible to safety and that they can start a new life in the UK. The minister recognized the strong sense of feeling and support across the House on this matter and on Afghan resettlement in general, and promised to keep the House updated on the government's approach to Afghan resettlement.