Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the level of risk to UK nationals in Afghanistan of following her Department's foreign travel advice by (a) registering their presence in Afghanistan with her Department online, (b) checking her Department's travel advice and (c) accessing UK consular assistance by telephone.

Our ability to conduct regular and accurate risk assessments is severely impeded by the fact that HMG has no presence in Afghanistan at this time. The analysis of the information we are able to gather is challenged by the fluid security and political situation on the ground in Afghanistan. We encourage British Nationals to sign up to FCDO Travel Advice pages to receive regular updates. FCDO Travel Advice maintains that individuals should use their own judgment when taking decisions to leave or move around Afghanistan. It makes clear consular assistance can only be provided remotely and is extremely limited. British nationals in Afghanistan can access consular assistance by telephone on a 24/7 basis. FCDO diplomatic missions in neighbouring countries are able provide in-person consular assistance to British nationals. Consistent with FCDO consular policy norms, it remains an individual choice to seek consular assistance. This principle also applies to those registering their presence with the FCDO. All information held by the FCDO is handled in compliance with GDPR.