Labour are fully behind the call to offer asylum to Afghani interpreters, Yvette Cooper’s office confirmed to Liberal Conspiracy today.

A statement from the shadow home secretary said:

We owe a debt to those Afghans who have worked alongside our soldiers, some of whom have been injured in roadside bombs or gunfire. In some instances interpreters have faced threats from the Taliban against them and their families, and as we begin leaving Afghanistan we cannot leave behind people who face threats from the Taliban after risking their lives to help Britain.

Regretfully Theresa May hasn’t done or said anything on this.

The Prime Minister should support a scheme that provides settlement to Afghans who have worked alongside our servicemen and women. Like the settlement programme agreed for Iraqi staff and their dependents under the last Government, it should ensure the Afghan staff are helped to settle and are not subject to the long waits and employment bans currently in place.

Examples of Afghan interpreters injured on the frontline, and then waiting two years in asylum queues, or even rejected, while worrying about Taliban threats to their families are very troubling. Our allies do not treat those who work for them in this way, and neither should Britain. These interpreters have already shown great commitment to British interests. If someone fears for their family’s safety as a result of working with British troops, and helping to fight for Britain’s long-term security, we should act.

Lib Dems too are said to be behind these calls, with strong statements of support from Paddy Ashdown. But we don’t know Nick Clegg’s views yet.

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1. Liberal Conspiracy: Labour: we support asylum for Afghani interpreters | moonblogsfromsyb

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