Hitchin MP Bim Afolami has reacted to the growing crisis in Afghanistan.

Read what our town's Parliamentarian has had to say about the situation.

In recent years, British diplomats and non-combat forces have worked extremely hard as part of a multinational effort to build institutional capacity in Afghanistan's government and security forces.

There was hope that when we did eventually leave Afghanistan, we would leave behind functional, safe nation with security for their citizens independent of foreign forces.

The accelerated advance of the Taliban across the country and into Kabul has extinguished this hope.

I am reassured that the Government has committed to evacuating not only British citizens working in Afghanistan, but also for eligible Afghan people and their families who have been valued advisers, administrators and interpreters for the UK and our allies over the years.

Constituents concerned for family members yet to be repatriated are welcome to contact me.

Bim Afolami is MP for Hitchin and Harpenden