When the government sent British forces into Afghanistan, it knew no military operation would be possible without the vital support of Afghans working alongside them.

These brave men and women put their lives on the line and it was only right that the UK offered them refuge and the chance to build a life in safety and security when the war ended.

But that pledge is now at risk. Attempts to create safe routes to the UK for all those who served have failed – and the government’s attempt to deal with the small boats crisis is set to make things worse.

One Afghan airman – who flew in dozens of missions alongside coalition forces – has been told he faces deportation to Rwanda because he came to the UK in small boat. As he has told us, he only came here that way because there was no other route.

Here at The Independent, we believe that this hero – and all those who served alongside him – should be given the right to stay in the UK.

Senior military figures and MPs agree. As Tobias Ellwood, chair of parliament’s defence select committee, said of the deportation threat: “This is not who we are as a nation.”

We are calling on the government to give refuge to Afghan veterans who served alongside British forces

The government must live up to its promise to all those who served alongside the British military in Afghanistan.

Thank you for your support. 

David Marley 

Deputy Editor, The Independent