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Written question asked by Fleur Anderson (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 January 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2022 (named day). It was answered by James Heappey (Conservative) on Monday, 31 January 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Animal Welfare: Afghanistan

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he authorised the evacuation of animals within Pen Farthing's Nowzad Shelter in Afghanistan.

Answer

As stated by the Defence Secretary, at the 25 January session of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC); a plane charted by supporters of Pen Farthing's Nowzad Shelter was given clearance to land and depart with its intended cargo in a landing slot booked by UK military air staff within the Qatar based Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC).

This clearance was given subject to; the animal's evacuation not interfering with military operations, not interfering with the evacuation of people, or requiring that they 'jump the queue'. As such their evacuation took place on 28 August once the civilian evacuation had ended and in parallel with the final stages of the military withdrawal.

The UK was clear with allies and partners, including the US, that our operation would prioritise people over animals at all stages of the evacuation, with any animal evacuation taking place only at the very last stages of military operation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112702
Session
2021-22
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Animal welfare Animals Afghanistan Nowzad
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk