The UK government has announced that hundreds of former Afghan special forces soldiers, known as the “Triples,” will be allowed to relocate to the UK after a review found that many were wrongly denied resettlement following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. These soldiers had fought alongside British forces during the war in Afghanistan, but under the previous government, around 2,000 of them were initially rejected for relocation. The decision to overturn some of these rejections marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to providing safe haven for these former allies.
Review Finds Errors in Previous Rejections
The decision to allow hundreds of ex-Afghan soldiers to relocate in the UK follows a comprehensive review of the applications that were initially rejected. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard told the House of Commons that the review discovered that some applications were denied due to poor record-keeping, rather than any deliberate intent to exclude the soldiers. Pollard emphasized that the errors occurred due to a “failure to access and share the right digital records” across government departments, which led to vital information being overlooked during the initial application process.
Pollard confirmed that so far, 25% of the rejections have been overturned, allowing eligible soldiers to resettle in the UK. The review found that some of these soldiers had been directly paid by the UK government, making them eligible for relocation—a fact that had been missed in earlier assessments.
The Role of the Triples in Afghanistan
The Triples, an elite group of Afghan soldiers, were set up, trained, and funded by the UK government to assist British forces in combat operations. These units played a key role in the fight against the Taliban, and their close collaboration with British troops made them prime targets for retribution once the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Since then, many former Triples soldiers have been living under constant threat, with reports indicating that some have been killed by the Taliban.
The government’s recent decision to allow hundreds of ex-Afghan soldiers to relocate in the UK comes as a response to growing concerns about the safety of these soldiers under Taliban rule. Pollard noted that many of the former soldiers remain at significant risk, which is why the government is treating the review process with urgency.
Correcting Past Mistakes
The initial rejection of these Afghan soldiers for relocation sparked widespread criticism, particularly from veterans’ groups and human rights organizations, who argued that the UK had a moral obligation to protect those who had fought alongside its military. The review into the rejected applications was initiated earlier this year by the previous Conservative government after former Armed Forces Minister James Heappey admitted that the decision-making process behind the initial denials had not been “robust.”
Pollard assured Parliament that there was no evidence of “malicious intent” in the original decisions but acknowledged that the mistakes were the result of systemic issues with how the resettlement process was managed. He criticized the previous government for its “critical failure” to access the necessary records and paperwork, leading to the unjust denial of relocation to many eligible soldiers.
Ongoing Reassessments
While the government has made significant progress in overturning rejections, Pollard cautioned that not all former Triples soldiers would be eligible for relocation. He confirmed that the review is still ongoing, with officials continuing to reassess applications on a case-by-case basis. The government is committed to ensuring that the correct decisions are made and that those who are eligible receive the protection they deserve.
Shadow Veterans Minister Andrew Bowie welcomed the continuation of the review, emphasizing the importance of making “correct and fair” decisions on these highly sensitive applications. Bowie also stressed the need for the government to act swiftly to protect those still at risk in Afghanistan.
A Moral Obligation
The decision to allow hundreds of ex-Afghan soldiers to relocate in the UK reflects the UK government’s recognition of its duty to those who served alongside British forces. These soldiers, who risked their lives in the fight against the Taliban, now face persecution under the regime they once battled. The government’s review and subsequent reversal of rejections provide a lifeline for those still living in fear for their safety.
As the process continues, the UK government is working to ensure that eligible Afghan soldiers are safely relocated and that the mistakes of the past are corrected. This decision also signals a broader commitment to supporting former allies who have been left vulnerable in the aftermath of the conflict in Afghanistan.
The relocation of these soldiers to the UK will offer them and their families a chance to rebuild their lives in safety, after years of uncertainty and danger. The government’s actions demonstrate a renewed focus on upholding the values of loyalty and protection for those who have served the country.
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