Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the Government’s statement on locally employed staff who worked alongside British forces in Afghanistan, said:

“Afghan citizens who worked with British forces as interpreters or drivers put themselves in extreme danger and many continue to face threats and intimidation today.

“It is hugely disappointing that the Government has refused to extend support packages to those who completed their duties between 2006 and 2011. This arbitrary approach risks letting down those who put their lives on the line in support of our Forces. The Ministry of Defence should re-examine this short-sighted decision as a matter of urgency.”