Millions of pounds worth of British arms exported to Afghanistan could end up in the hands of the Taliban and terrorist groups in the region, experts have warned.
Katie Fallon, a coordinator for the Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), called on the government to “urgently investigate which end users now have control over these military goods”, which amount to 151m worth since 2008.
Labour has similarly pointed to the risk that of British weapons falling into the hands of the Taliban or the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, Isis-K. “There is a clear risk of high-tech equipment falling into the hands of the Taliban, or worse, Isis-K and other terror groups,” shadow defence secretary John Healey said.
Meanwhile, thousands of Afghans evacuated to Britain are set to be placed in temporary hotel accommodation for an indefinite period as local councils say they have been “left in the dark” as to a government housing plan.
The Home Office said on Wednesday that permanent housing has been secured for 2,000 refugees — meaning homes have not yet been found for 6,000 people who arrived in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.
“Many councils are ready to help but we are in the dark about what it is precisely that government wants us to provide,” Cllr David Touane, of South Oxfordshire District Council, said. “We need detail not headlines, involvement not directive, and long-term commitment rather than short-term headlines.”
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