Moray MSP Richard Lochhead: 'My heart goes out to Afghan people'
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Moray's MSP is calling for immediate action to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Richard Lochhead states that "serious questions" must be asked about the manner of the West's sudden withdrawal from the country after 20 years.
Speaking today Mr Lochhead said: "The events that we’ve seen unfolding in Afghanistan are deeply concerning and the footage of people trying to flee Kabul and the further loss of life in recent days is extremely distressing.
"Serious questions need to be answered over the manner of departure from Afghanistan and the absence of any proper strategy and planning for the removal of military support.
"This has to be the one of the biggest foreign policy disasters of modern times and as a result the lives of many innocent people in Afghanistan are in danger.
"I’m very mindful of the fact that many people in Moray will have served or worked in Afghanistan in a variety of roles over the past 20 years and they will be anxious for friends and former colleagues who remain there.
"I’ve no doubt that many will be feeling incredibly let down and left wondering how after all the effort, sacrifice and expense over two decades it has now come to this.
"My heart goes out to the Afghan people and in particular to the women and children who will be fearing the consequences of Taliban rule.
"The UK Government must act quickly to try to prevent an all-out humanitarian crisis and to ensure that the every effort is made to protect those Afghan citizens who have worked with UK forces over the last 20 years.
"We need to see countries working together to ensure safe routes out of Afghanistan and to open our doors to those fleeing."
