Like so many, I am appalled by the tragedy unfolding in Afghanistan, and the fall of the Afghan government last weekend, when the Taliban took control of Kabul.

Twenty years after the invasion of Afghanistan, the subsequent international effort by 53 countries who contributed to the ISAF mission which removed the Taliban from power, has now come to a humiliating end. It is deeply disturbing to see the Taliban re-emerge, with their Dark Ages ideology of violence and repression, to rule over the people of Afghanistan.

The context behind this tragedy began with the one-sided deal President Trump struck with the Taliban last year. Once an imminent timetable for withdrawal of US troops had been set, our Defence Secretary made laudable efforts to seek international partners willing to contribute to a more orderly withdrawal. But no major EU country was prepared to join us. It was clear President Biden had no intention of revisiting the US decision, despite the rapidly deteriorating security situation.

The tragic scenes of desperate displaced people fleeing their homes, and seeking to flee the country, were deeply moving. In a call with the Defence Secretary last Friday evening, I raised the need to provide swift and secure passage for UK nationals and Afghans who worked with UK forces, British Council, charities, contractors and aid agencies. There have been evacuation flights out of the military side of Kabul airfield, but evacuating all who have helped the international effort is likely to rely on cooperation from the Taliban.

The speed of the collapse of the Afghan government and security forces was shocking, and it raises serious questions about our intelligence analysis of the situation on the ground and the assistance to the Taliban from other neighbouring states who preferred to see their return. Our diplomats and many others have clearly faced serious danger from the collapse of Kabul, so it is vital to learn why our reading of the situation was so wrong.

The Taliban’s return does not necessarily mean the return of Al-Qaeda, and the education of 3.6 million girls cannot be unlearnt. But a humanitarian and refugee crisis seems already underway, and the freedoms that were available, particularly to women and the continued education of girls, seem likely to be taken away.

I write before the House of Commons meets on Wednesday, where I hope to be selected to speak. I shall urge the Government to persist at Kabul airport as long as it is safe to help secure safe passage for those who have helped us.