Newly disclosed documents indicate that, following an extensive data leak in 2021 exposing individuals who had worked with British forces, the UK government quietly initiated a covert emergency relocation programme for Afghan nationals living in London, according to newly surfaced documents.
Internal memos obtained by investigative journalists reveal that this scheme was devised in response to a security breach that occurred shortly after Taliban power returned in Afghanistan. A leak compromising Afghan interpreters and contractors revealed personal details such as names, emails addresses and locations – leaving many vulnerable against reprisals by Taliban forces.
Though the UK had previously implemented public evacuation routes through Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), in response to a security breach it established a secret plan designed to operate outside normal channels: emergency visas were provided along with covert flights chartered on request as well as negotiations with regional partners to expedite transfer of high-risk Afghans and their families.
Government officials had never publicly acknowledged this initiative out of national security concerns; however, documents released under Freedom of Information requests and supported by whistleblower testimony show at least 2,200 individuals were evacuated during its discreet initiative between late 2021 and 2024.
“These people were exposed – we failed to protect them – so we felt an ethical obligation to act quickly and quietly,” noted one senior Home Office source involved with the operation, who spoke under condition of anonymity.
Documents released by British authorities reveal how British authorities collaborated with allies from Qatar, Pakistan, and UAE in processing Afghan evacuees before transporting them under special entry codes into Britain for processing and temporary housing arrangements – bypassing asylum systems entirely if possible and placing many directly under confidentiality protocols.
Though some humanitarian groups have applauded the government for its efforts to save lives, others have voiced criticism at its lack of transparency and public acknowledgement of this scheme until now.
“While we commend the UK for saving lives, it is disturbing that such an important matter – an Afghan data breach which endangered Afghan allies – was hidden from public scrutiny,” noted Daniel Soames of Refugees United UK. “Accountability must replace secrecy.”
Parliamentary opposition leaders are now demanding answers regarding the data breach that occurred, and why victims weren’t officially informed or compensated. Labour MP Yvette Cooper demanded an immediate investigation.
“It is one thing to work covertly to save lives; it is another to cover up mistakes,” Cooper stated. “The government must come clean about its misdeeds.”
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence issued a brief statement which read, in part: “The UK remains committed to supporting those who risked their lives serving with our armed forces, though we will refrain from discussing operational security matters directly.”
As hundreds of Afghan evacuees quietly build new lives in Britain, the revelation of this secret programme raises important questions regarding transparency, government accountability and responsibility owed to those placed at risk in aiding British forces.