Source · Select Committees · Committees on Arms Export Controls
Recommendation 35
35
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 109
While we fully support the Government prioritising the evacuation of people over the repatriation of...
Conclusion
While we fully support the Government prioritising the evacuation of people over the repatriation of equipment, we are concerned about reports of military items that are now in the hands of adversaries following the withdrawal of coalition forces from Afghanistan. We support the decision to remove Afghanistan as a permitted destination for five Open General Export Licences. However, we are concerned that this decision was not taken earlier given the warnings and indications that the Afghan Government would collapse. A key test of the export control system is the ability to adapt to changing situations. We support the continuation of licences for humanitarian demining equipment for NGOs and items for the protection of remaining diplomatic missions and the Government’s commitment to keep the situation under review.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the concerns about military items in the hands of adversaries in Afghanistan and notes the committee's support for removing Afghanistan as a permitted destination for Open General Export Licences.
Paragraph Reference:
109
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government welcomes the Committees’ support for prioritising the evacuation of people over the repatriation of equipment. We share the Committees’ concerns about reports of military items that are now in the hands of adversaries following the withdrawal of coalition forces from Afghanistan and note their support for the decision to remove Afghanistan as a permitted destination for five Open General Export Licences. The Government took swift action to remove Afghanistan as a permitted destination for five Open General Export Licences as soon as it became clear that the Afghan Government was collapsing. This decision was taken in light of the heightened risk that military items could fall into the hands of adversaries. The Government continues to monitor the situation in Afghanistan closely and will take all necessary steps to ensure that its export control decisions are fully compliant with its legal obligations.