Afghanistan crisis: What political figures in Wiltshire have said

The country is now under Taliban leadership, after the military group took control of the capital city of Kabul on Sunday, August 15.

British troops are now racing against the clock to get remaining UK nationals and their local allies out of Afghanistan, following the dramatic fall of the country’s Western-backed government as the Taliban rapidly advance across the country.

UK parliament will be discussing the worsening situation later today, August 18.

Last night it was revealed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that up to 5,000 Afghans can find refuge in the UK this year, with up to 20,000 in the longer term.

'Coordinated and concerted effort'

Salisbury MP John Glen will be going to Parliament today but has told the Journal in advance he will be supporting the government in offering urgent humanitarian assistance.

“As someone who has visited Afghanistan in the past and seen first-hand the international work being done by our troops and NGOs, current events are distressing in the extreme," Mr Glen said.

“We need a coordinated and concerted effort from the international community in the coming months to tackle the extremist threat and address the humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan.

“The situation is fast moving and I look forward to hearing many more details of what the UK will be doing to help.”

READ MORE: Afghanistan: What is happening, who are the Taliban and what can I do to help?

Salisbury MP John Glen

Waiting for Government guidance

Leader of Wiltshire Council Richard Clewer, who is also cabinet member for military civilian integration, said the "difficult and distressing situation" is being monitored and the council is waiting for further Government guidance before offering further humanitarian aid.

He said: "Here in Wiltshire we have always been ready to help those who need a safe place to stay and we will respond as necessary when guidance is published.

"This includes offering support to interpreters and those trying to reach a safe haven. We are already looking to provide homes for at least two families and there may be more in due course."

Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer

'Recognise extraordinary efforts'

Councillor Clewer added: "Wiltshire has a strong military presence and we recognise the extraordinary efforts of our service personnel who have served in Afghanistan as part of the UK efforts to bring peace to the region.

"We know the latest news may be difficult for our local military communities and we are here ready to support them at this time."

MP 'looking forward' to Parliament debate

MP Danny Kruger’s Devizes constituency covers a particularly military area, including garrisons around the Salisbury Plain training ground.

He said that he was concerned about the “sacrifice” of veterans “endling like this” and he is looking forward to today's debate and hearing about Government plans for refugee resettlement.” - READ MORE HERE.

Devizes MP Danny Kruger / Taliban Afghanistan events - Picture Credit: UK Parliament/MoD

'Live without fear'

Describing the situation as "scary and sad", mayor of Salisbury Caroline Corbin has also expressed her concern about happenings in Afghanistan, in particular the safety of families.

She said: "We need to treat respectfully those Afghan families fleeing to get their families to safety.

"No regime or dictatorship is good, how we reach the compromises I am not sure; but clearly the efforts of the military seem to have been in vain. I hope that’s not the case, only time will tell.

"The world leaders need to work carefully to protect and maintain stability in the neighbouring countries, as well as working to ensure those remaining in Afghanistan are able to live without fear and not just exist."

Mayor of Salisbury Caroline Corbin

Don't be sceptical but vigiliant

Cllr Corbin added: "The world is increasingly more multicultural and multiracial and so wherever those who are currently displaced end up, I hope they get to find happiness amongst the various communities and build mutually lasting trust and friendships.

"It will no doubt also increase scepticism amongst some and worry for others that terrorists will be living among us, we shouldn’t treat everyone as a threat although vigilance and caution is part of everyday life.

"If people see something of concern they should always report it to the appropriate authorities."

Councillor's summary of events

Salisbury City Councillor Atiqul Hoque said the UK and USA have "an overwhelming moral obligation" to take in refugees.

He said: "Indeed it’s worrying what we are seeing, it’s also sad to say the least. Afghanistan has been a sad tale of American and British, what one will say over-ambition.

"The original mission in 2001 was to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden and the Al Qaeda leadership. That failed due to insufficient military resources upfront.

"The USA and UK then spent 20 years trying to remake Afghanistan into a modern liberal democracy, which we knew would fail and has for many reasons, especially widespread corruption in the Afghan leadership.

"Accordingly, the Afghan government was unable to militarily resist the Taliban, which was also trained by them, despite the vast amounts of money the USA poured into the Afghan army, much of the money being stolen by corruption while soldiers went unpaid."

Salisbury City Councillor Atiqul Hoque

'Moral obligation' to support refugees

Cllr Hoque concluded: "I strongly believe the UK and the USA have an overwhelming moral obligation to take in refugees and those Afghans who worked with the UK and USA, most of whom are at risk of execution in reprisals by the Taliban."

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