A serious data breach involving nearly 19,000 Afghans who supported British forces has sparked major political and security concerns in the UK. Defence Secretary John Healey admitted on Wednesday that he could not confirm whether anyone had been killed as a result of the exposure. The leaked information, which included personal details of Afghan interpreters and other staff, has been linked to the UK’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme.

Details Leaked Online

The breach occurred in February 2022 but remained under wraps due to a super-injunction. The previous government only became aware in August 2023 when the data was posted on Facebook. It included names and personal information of people who applied to move to the UK after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) claims there is no confirmed evidence of targeted killings due to the leak, the risk of exposure to Taliban reprisal remains a serious concern.

Super-Injunction Lifted

A High Court judge lifted the super-injunction this week, allowing details of the incident to be reported. Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled that the Taliban likely already had access to the leaked dataset, and revealing the breach publicly would not significantly increase the danger. Defence Secretary Healey welcomed the ruling, saying that public scrutiny and press freedom are essential. He stressed, however, that the individual responsible for the leak is no longer in the same position.

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Thousands Resettled in UK

In response to the breach, the UK launched the Afghanistan Response Route in April 2024 to resettle affected individuals. So far, 4,500 Afghans have arrived under the scheme, which is expected to relocate 6,900 people in total. The operation has cost the UK government £400 million, with an estimated final cost of £850 million. Despite these efforts, the MoD believes 600 Afghan soldiers and 1,800 of their family members remain in Afghanistan.

Government Criticism and Political Fallout

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and opposition members have criticized the former Conservative government’s handling of the incident. Starmer called for full transparency and welcomed plans by the defence committee to investigate further. Former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace defended the decision to apply for an injunction, saying it was aimed at protecting those at risk. Conservative MP David Davis also acknowledged the exceptional nature of the breach but warned that the secrecy raised serious questions about state accountability.

Impact on Families

The fallout has deeply affected families of those exposed. The daughter of an Afghan translator told BBC Newsnight that her family was terrified. “No one knows where the data has been sent—it could be in the hands of the Taliban,” she said. Her grandmother, still in Afghanistan, is now extremely vulnerable.

Call for Reform and Accountability

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told Parliament that the breach raised significant constitutional issues. He has asked clerks to examine the case and will report back on potential lessons for future government conduct. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith echoed that Parliament should not have been kept in the dark for so long. He said the public deserved a clear explanation and an open debate on such critical matters.

Evacuation Under Fire

The broader Arap evacuation—launched after the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan—has already faced criticism. A 2022 Foreign Affairs Committee report called it a “disaster” and a “betrayal.” With this new breach revealed, pressure is mounting on UK leaders to ensure both justice for those affected and systemic reform to prevent future failures.

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