Locally Employed Civilians inquiry

Throughout the United Kingdom's engagement in Afghanistan, British forces were supported by several thousand Afghan citizens acting as locally employed civilians (LECs). These individuals worked in a variety of support roles alongside British military and civilian personnel where they were often exposed to danger, particularly the significant number of LECs acting as interpreters who accompanied British troops on operational patrols. As well as being exposed to significant risks during their employment, LECs and their families continue to be at risk of reprisals within Afghanistan after the completion of the British drawdown in 2014. The Committee is examining the effectiveness of measures that the Government has put in place to provide security and support to LECs in Afghanistan, and whether these measures adequately reflect the crucial role LECs played in the campaign.