The Liberal Democrats have today slammed the Conservatives’ broken promise to Afghans as a “total betrayal”.
It comes after a statement from Home Office minister Victoria Atkins in Parliament revealed that women, girls, and religious and other minorities in Afghanistan have been put to the back of queue of the Government’s resettlement scheme.
Commenting on the statement in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said: “Back in August, this Government made a promise to women, girls, and religious and other minorities in Afghanistan – that they would be a priority under the new Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme. That was a promise of hope to these people, at a time when they are living in fear from the Taliban because of their identity.
“Now, the Conservatives have not only broken that promise – they’ve effectively told these Afghans that they’re at the back of the queue.
“This represents a total betrayal of people in grave danger. The Ministers responsible for this callous decision – which will cost lives – should hang their heads in shame. The UK has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in need. We need to show that same leadership and compassion now.”