UK Parliament Sets Final Hearing Dates on Afghan Data Breach Investigation

DID Press: UK Parliament Defense Committee has announced the dates for its final public hearings as part of its investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information related to Afghan nationals who worked with British forces. The sessions mark the concluding phase of a high-profile inquiry into a data breach linked to resettlement programs.

According to the committee, the final hearings will be held on 21 April and 19 May, during which current and former officials involved in policy decisions and advisory roles will be questioned. The minister responsible for relocation and support of Afghan personnel within the UK Ministry of Defence is also expected to testify.

Following these sessions, the committee will begin drafting its conclusions and recommendations, with the final report anticipated to be released during the summer. The investigation focuses on accountability, institutional safeguards, and risk management procedures surrounding the handling of sensitive personal data.

The committee recently published approximately 200 pages of documents related to the case, which had previously been submitted by the Ministry of Defence to the Information Commissioner’s Office as part of regulatory oversight.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, chair of the Defence Committee, thanked witnesses who had provided testimony throughout the inquiry and confirmed that the process has now entered its final stage, with particular scrutiny directed at the Ministry of Defence’s conduct and decision-making. He also noted that despite government cooperation, some requested documents remain outstanding months after being formally requested, expressing hope that the issue will be resolved promptly.

Reports indicate that the leak of personal data concerning Afghan partners of the United Kingdom placed many individuals at risk, with multiple fatalities reported in the aftermath.