A ST HELENS MP has commented on the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and sees St Helens as a community that will welcome anyone fleeing from persecution.
After 20 years of attempting to stabilise Afghanistan, allied forces – including British and American troops – withdrew recently, leaving the country in the hands of Afghanistan’s security forces.
In a matter of days, all this work was undone after the Taliban seized control of the country and government buildings, leaving millions of citizens vulnerable to persecution and wishing to escape.
Speaking on the issue, Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, said: “The chaotic humanitarian and security crisis unfolding in Afghanistan is appalling. It is all the more tragic because it was entirely avoidable.
He added: “The immediate focus must be on ensuring a swift evacuation of British nationals and those Afghans who selflessly risked their lives over the last twenty years to support the government, the military, development, aid and education efforts who are now under threat.
“Our obligation to the wider Afghan people, particularly women and girls, remains enormous.”
To ensure that refugees have the chance of a new life in the UK, Mr McGinn has called on the government to introduce a comprehensive Resettlement Scheme to provide safe and legal routes to resettlement for those fleeing crises.
After working with communities to celebrate Refugee Week in June – a series of events which celebrated the contributions and resilience of local refugees – Mr McGinn is confident St Helens is a place that will welcome and resettle refugees.
Recognising the "enormous contribution" the small number of refugees play across the region, Mr McGinn said: “I know that we in St Helens borough will continue to play our part in meeting our responsibilities to do our bit and make those fleeing persecution welcome in our community.”
After the Taliban’s resurgence quickly unravelled of the work done by the armed forces, the MP also stated: “I pay tribute particularly to the local men and women from St Helens borough and the North West who served in Afghanistan and we particularly think today about those from our local area who were injured, and the families of those who lost their lives.
“They have been let down by what has happened over the last weeks and months, but they can and should be proud. They did their jobs and made huge sacrifices.”
Councillor Jeanie Bell, cabinet member for Safer. Stronger Communities and equalities champion, also said: "Our thoughts go out to the people of Afghanistan and we will continue to support those who have worked alongside our Armed Forces to settle in our community.
“As a borough we are committed to supporting refugees who need our help and support, fleeing from situations like we see happening in Afghanistan.
"I am proud of the way our community came together this year for refugee week with compassion, love and a celebration of the cultures which make up our vibrant borough.
"Nobody should live in fear and facing persecution, no woman or girl should have her right to education, work and freedom of expression taken away."
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