Wells MP and Armed Forces Minister James Heappey has firmly committed to assisting former Afghan special forces members seeking resettlement in the UK.

He stressed that the task forces CF333 and ATF444, focused on countering drug trafficking and organised crime, do not automatically qualify their members for relocation under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap).

Heappey noted, "Certain members of the Triples will not be eligible for relocation," emphasising that each application is considered individually.

Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer echoed Heappey's sentiments in the House of Commons.

Mercer stated, "Heappey was correct to say being in a taskforce does not automatically entitle you to be in the UK," adding that there could be "very well-founded reasons as to why that individual does then not settle into accommodation in the UK through many different national security reasons."

Mercer also acknowledged the government's responsibility towards these individuals, affirming,

"If they meet the criteria and they deserve to be in the United Kingdom, then I will do everything I can to get them here."

He emphasised the cross-government effort involving multiple departments, including the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

This development comes amidst concerns of potential deportation threats to these Afghan veterans and follows a serious data breach by the Ministry of Defence, risking the safety of Afghan nationals. The Ministry acknowledged the breach, with a spokesperson stating, "We fully acknowledge today's ruling and apologise to those affected," and committed to implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.