Labour Concerned Over Treatment Of Afghan Forces' Interpreters

Labour has warned there is concern among MPs about the treatment of Afghan interpreters who served with British forces.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry asked if ministers planned on relocating more former interpreters to the UK given the "rapid deterioration" of the security position in the country.

Foreign Office minister Mark Field said he would be "very disturbed" if the interpreters were not being looked after, but could not comment on individual cases.

There have been a number of reports in recent days where the Government has come under fire for not allowing interpreters into Britain.

"The minister knows the concern that is felt all across this House about the Afghan interpreters who have worked with our forces and who face constant threat from the jihadis," said Ms Thornberry.

"Last month the Government said that not a single interpreter had been relocated to Britain under the so-called intimidation scheme, and they also said that 'the changing security position is kept under careful review'.

"So given the rapid deterioration of the security position since then, can the minister advise what plans he has to bring more of our former interpreters to safety here in Britain?"

Afghanistan has been rocked by a number of attacks in recent weeks, with more than 100 people killed at the weekend when an ambulance filled with explosives was detonated in the capital Kabul.

Mr Field said: "On the issue of interpreters, she will appreciate I can't comment on individual cases, which of course have made the press, but I'm very happy to say a few words now.

"Our local staff policies were developed having regard to the then Afghan government's concern to retain their brightest and best citizens in order to help build a more stable and secure Afghanistan.

"Now, those Afghan local staff who are both eligible for the ex-gratia scheme but are not eligible for relocation are entitled to appeal that decision and MoD staff will assist individuals where the department holds the relevant evidence.

"But if there are specific cases that she or other members would like to bring to my attention, my door remains open. I'm very happy to take those up.

"Rightly, this country does take very seriously those who are putting themselves at grave risk, as grave if not more grave than the risk of our embassy staff abroad, should be properly protected, and I would obviously be very disturbed to hear if that were not the case.

"But she will also recognise that there is a procedure and a protocol that needs to be gone through in these matters, so if there are specific issues to be raised then I hope she will do so."