UK clandestinely initiated an operation to resettle Afghan nationals following a data breach, according to unveiled records
In a significant turn of events, the details of a secret scheme by the British government to relocate thousands of Afghans to the UK have been revealed, following a data breach that occurred in early 2022. The breach exposed the personal information of nearly 25,000 Afghans who had worked with British forces and their family members, increasing their risk of reprisal attacks from the Taliban.
The data breach was first discovered in August 2023, with part of the dataset being published on Facebook. However, the details of the relocation effort were kept confidential under a superinjunction until recently.
As of May 2024, approximately 16,000 people affected by the data breach have been relocated to the UK. An additional 7,900 are due to arrive. The relocation program is estimated to cost a significant amount, with one report suggesting an overall budget of £850 million specifically for dealing with the data breach's consequences. The broader cost of relocating Afghan refugees over five years is anticipated to be £7 billion.
Many Afghans remain in danger, and the majority have been left behind, with some facing significant risks due to the leak. The extensive financial commitment required for the relocation may strain public finances, potentially leading to budgetary adjustments.
The current centre-left government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, launched a review into the injunction, the data breach, and the relocation scheme. The review found that although Afghanistan remains dangerous, there is little evidence of an intent by the Taliban to conduct a campaign of retribution.
The government is facing lawsuits from those affected by the data breach, further adding to the ultimate cost of the incident. The dataset contained personal information of approximately 19,000 Afghans who had applied for relocation to Britain and their families. The superinjunction was granted in 2023 by the Ministry of Defence to prevent public disclosure of the breach due to potential risks of extra-judicial killing or serious violence by the Taliban.
A judge at London's High Court estimated that about 20,000 people may need to be offered relocation to Britain, which could cost "several billion pounds." The Ministry of Defence-commissioned review of the data breach was published on Tuesday.
Britain has set up a secret scheme to relocate thousands of Afghans to the UK, a move that was necessary due to the data breach. The government is now working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those who have been relocated, while also addressing the significant financial implications of this operation.
- The secret scheme to relocate thousands of Afghans to the UK, initiated due to the data breach, is currently estimated to cost several billion pounds, with the broader cost of relocating Afghan refugees over five years anticipated to be £7 billion.
- The current government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is facing lawsuits from those affected by the data breach, as the dataset contained personal information of approximately 19,000 Afghans who had applied for relocation to Britain and their families.
- The details of the British government's relocation effort, kept confidential under a superinjunction, have emerged amidst escalating world politics, general news, and crime-and-justice discussions, particularly concerning war-and-conflicts and human rights in the UK and Afghanistan.
