UK MP Calls for Recruitment of Former Afghan Forces into British Army

DID Press: Tom Tugendhat, UK’s former security minister and a member of Parliament, has called for former Afghan military and security personnel now living in Britain to be allowed to join the British Army, arguing that their skills and experience help address the military’s manpower shortage.

Tugendhat criticized what he described as restrictive policies by the Ministry of Defence, saying Afghan security forces evacuated to the UK after the fall of Kabul should be given the opportunity to enlist.

In an interview with Sky News, he said former Afghan personnel possess “skills, motivation and a record of loyalty under difficult circumstances” and can play an important role in easing the British Army’s staffing shortfall. Under current regulations, only British citizens are permitted to serve in the armed forces—a rule Tugendhat says prevents the UK from making use of Afghan capabilities.

Official figures show this year the number of personnel leaving the British Army exceeded new recruits by 500, a trend that has heightened concerns about the country’s defence capacity.

Responding to the criticism, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the government remains committed to supporting Afghans who entered the UK through resettlement schemes. The spokesperson said new arrivals are granted up to nine months of temporary accommodation and receive support to find housing and avoid homelessness.

However, only those who obtain British citizenship and meet required criteria—including age, education and physical fitness—are eligible to apply to join the army.

Military experts say any large-scale recruitment of Afghan personnel will require thorough security vetting. Ed Arnold, a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, warned that recent security incidents in the United States have increased sensitivities and made screening processes more complex.