Local MP stands up for local Afghan community affected by Government failings

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP, Tom Gordon, has spoken up on behalf of local Afghan families in Parliament, bringing the stories of those affected by issues with the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) Scheme to Parliament. 

Tom’s question came after he recently attended the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network’s AGM in Harrogate, where he met with some local families from the Afghan community, and heard their stories firsthand. Many still have family in Afghanistan who are struggling to get to the UK despite being in danger. 

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP urged the Government both to act to ensure the safety of those still in Afghanistan, and to facilitate opportunities for MPs to discuss existing cases with the Government on behalf of constituents, to ensure the safety of all those who helped British forces in Afghanistan. 

Commenting, Tom said:

“People are in danger because they or a loved one supported our forces in Afghanistan. Ensuring their safety is the morally right thing to. The Government needs to act to ensure that no one who helped us is left out in the cold. 

“The Government mustn’t allow people in desperate, dangerous conditions because of our failings to become political pawns that are abandoned because it’s not politically convenient to give them the help they need and deserve.

“We’re talking about people who put their lives on the line for us, and their families, who are at real risk. To abandon them would be a blot against Britain internationally. I will continue to fight for my affected constituents to ensure they and their families get the treatment they need and deserve.”


ENDS