West Yorkshire MPs recalled to debate UK response to Afghanistan
Politicians have travelled to Westminster three weeks earlier than expected
Last updated 18th Aug 2021
West Yorkshire's MPs are taking part in an emergency Westminster debate today, discussing the situation in Afghanistan.
The five hour sitting of Parliament will also focus on the UK's response, after the Taliban took control of the country.
It comes as the UK Government has announced a bespoke resettlement scheme for 20,000 refugees fleeing Afghanistan.
5,000 of the most vulnerable people will be re-homed in the first year.
Hilary Benn MP: "There are lessons, clearly, that we need to learn"
Leeds Central's Labour MP, Hilary Benn, worked as International Development Secretary between 2003 and 2007.
He worked with people in Afghanistan and told Greatest Hits Radio it's heartbreaking to see: "This is a painful moment for all of the British Armed Forces who served, the families of those who lost their lives, for all the people who've worked so hard over the last 20 years to build a better country.
"Above all, it's painful for the people of Afghanistan, a number of whom are doing their darndest to flee the country."
However, Mr. Benn insists that worthwhile achievements have been made in the conflict, despite the loss of life: "I think the answer to that question can be found in the number of people seeking to leave.
"They are demonstrating that they think life has changed for the better in Afghanistan. Women have had the chance to participate in public life, girls to go to school, women who've been elected as MPs, the way in which the economy has developed.
"If things hadn't changed for the better, why would people be seeking to get out now? The answer is that they think life is going to go backwards.
"There are things we can't do anything about..."
"It does demonstrate that something was achieved that was really valuable and important over the last 20 years.
"The forecast that had been made, that the Taliban wouldn't be able to take over Kabul and other major cities because there would be a fight, there has been no fight at all, they just disappeared.
"We clearly got that assessment of the capacity of the Afghan Government, the Afghan state, to defend itself against the Taliban... we got that wrong and there are lessons, clearly, that we need to learn.
"While there are things that we can't do anything about, and that includes the Taliban takeover, there are things we can do something about, helping British nationals and others who've worked with us to get out, offering a refugee programme, continuing to provide humanitarian aid.
"The international community has to get together and try and agree a common line about how we're going to deal with the new Government of Afghanistan as we watch and see what the Taliban will actually do."
Robbie Moore MP: "I am deeply concerned about the situation"
Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore MP, says on social media: 'After a busy day in Keighley - I got the late train down to London ready for today's recall of Parliament to discuss the terrible situation in Afghanistan.
'The immediate focus must be to ensure a safe exit for all British nationals and our allies who have helped with our collective objectives to secure a better future for Afghanistan.
'Likewise we must ensure Afghan nationals who have helped support the UKs and our allied forces objectives to secure peace over previous months and years, whom now may be at risk as a result are protected.
'I am deeply concerned about the situation, especially for woman and children, and the potential for a humanitarian crisis escalation.'
Mr Moore also met the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Dominic Raab, about support for British nationals and others who helped UK Forces:
Other MPs in West Yorkshire posting on social media
Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen says she feels 'utterly dismayed and distraught'.
Jason McCartney, Conservative MP for Colne Valley, says some of his constituents have family in Afghanistan.
Barry Sheerman, Labour and Co-operative MP for Huddersfield, says the 'uncertain fate' for Afghan nationals is a 'shame'.
Andrew Jenkyns, Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood, has written to the foreign secretary with concerns about an animal charity based in Afghanistan.
Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, says there is 'no military solution in Afghanistan.'
Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East, and shadow minister for Peace and Disarmament, says the 'tragic events' are a 'major threat.'
Alex Sobel, Labour and Co-operative MP for Leeds North West, has raised concerns about the resettlement scheme announced by the Government.