UK Special Forces had controversially vetoed resettlement applications from Afghan commandos, known as the “Triples,” who fought alongside the SAS. This decision, seen as a conflict of interest, potentially prevented these commandos from giving evidence in a war crimes inquiry into the SAS. Former elite regiment members criticized the veto, fearing it was a tactic to keep crucial witnesses out of the UK.
In February, Shadow Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard questioned the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about the veto. The MoD initially denied any such mechanism, stating that no government department had a veto over resettlement applications. However, a letter from Defence Minister Andrew Murrison this week revealed that UK Special Forces assessments were indeed used by MoD caseworkers to decide on these applications, effectively granting them veto power.
This revelation was termed an “extraordinary admission” and a “complete and utter betrayal” by Stewart McDonald, former SNP defence spokesperson. McDonald highlighted that hundreds of resettlement applications were rejected following the Taliban takeover in 2021, due to the veto. He expressed frustration over the misleading information provided by government ministers and criticized the timing of the government’s correction.
McDonald intends to share this information with Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, chair of the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan, which is investigating allegations of the SAS killing unarmed detainees and civilians during the conflict.