The recent admission by UK Minister Luke Pollard that Afghan special forces soldiers were indeed employed by the UK government has brought new hope for hundreds of these soldiers and their families. This revelation comes after previous denials by Conservative ministers, who had claimed that these soldiers, known as the Triples, were not directly employed by the UK.
Following a Ministry of Defence review triggered by campaigning MPs and investigative journalists, it has been confirmed that evidence of payments from the UK government to members of Afghan specialist units exists. This evidence goes beyond just top-up payments and reimbursements for operational expenses, demonstrating a direct employment relationship.
As a result of this new information, around 2,000 applications by members of Afghan specialist units are currently being reviewed, with 25 percent of them expected to have their decisions overturned. More than 75 percent of the applications have already been reassessed, and eligible Afghans and their families are being invited to relocate to the UK.
The slow pace of the review process has been a concern, but Minister Pollard has assured MPs that any overturned decisions will be communicated immediately to the applicants. He has already started signing off on decisions to relocate eligible Triples to the UK, ensuring that those who supported British troops in Afghanistan will receive the sanctuary they deserve.
While the incorrect statements made by Conservative ministers to parliament about payments to these Afghans were not deemed a deliberate attempt to mislead, Minister Pollard acknowledged that there were system failures in accessing and sharing the necessary digital records. He emphasized the importance of rectifying these mistakes and expressed confidence in relocating eligible former Triples and their families to safety in the UK.
As the review continues, concerns were raised by Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis about the possibility of employment records being withheld, particularly by special forces. Minister Pollard clarified that top-up payments or operational payments are not considered as evidence of employment in this case.
This ongoing story highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring that those who risked their lives to support British troops in Afghanistan are not forgotten. The commitment to relocate eligible Afghans to the UK and provide them with a fresh start is a step in the right direction, acknowledging the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.