Nick Thomas-Symonds responds to Priti Patel’s remarks on Afghan refugees attempting to reach the UK after 31 August

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to Priti Patel’s remarks that safe routes of passages will be created for Afghan refugees attempting to reach the UK after 31 August, said:

“These promises are like trying to close the stable door after the horse has bolted.

“The appalling mishandling of the collapse in Afghanistan by Conservative Ministers has left huge numbers of lives at risk and a potential humanitarian crisis. The lack of planning to get people at risk out is unforgivable, given it has been 18 months since the Doha deal.

“We still don’t know when these supposed safe routes will open or how people fearing for their lives will be able to access help once the airport closes, and the military has left. It is a dangerous mess, Ministers should take responsibility and outline plans immediately.”