The situation in Afghanistan is simply heartbreaking for those left behind to deal with the atrocities likely to happen under the new ruling Taliban regime.

Whether any of us agreed with the invasion of Afghanistan, it happened, and 20 years of time elapsed and billions of pounds have been used fighting a war clearly to no avail.

Afghanistan has a literacy rate of 43 percent, up from 31.4 in 2011 but still one of the world’s lowest rates. The gender gap remains substantial, with men’s literacy at 55 percent and women’s at 30 percent, according to the World Bank.

This progress has happened since the invasion along with the Afghanistan female population being allowed to have a less regimented dress code, a Western-style of democracy introduced and women starting to participate more equally in the world of work.

Much of this has been wiped out with the withdrawal of American and UK troops literally overnight. The country is now in chaos.

More locally in Colchester work is underway to try and help by settling some Afghanistan refugees here. Colchester has always been a very welcoming community. We must do what we can to help.

Some of our troops from the 16 Air Assault Brigade (16X) based in Colchester are now in the Afghanistan capital of Kabul, helping British Nationals to evacuate. 

We certainly wish all of our troops and everyone safe passage back to the UK and must reinforce the need to do all we can to help those left behind, especially those Afghan nationals who put their lives on the line to help our troops over the last 20 years. 

We cannot simply wash our hands of this affair. We must ensure our Government does everything to help and settle those who helped us safely in the UK.

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