The Afghan data leak crisis has drawn sharp reactions after former UK Defense Secretary Sir Ben Wallace defended his decision to block media reports about the breach. In 2022, personal details of nearly 19,000 Afghans who supported British forces were accidentally leaked. Wallace insisted he made “no apology” for securing an injunction to prevent further exposure.
When officials discovered the Afghan data leak crisis in August 2023, Wallace acted swiftly. He stated his priority was shielding vulnerable individuals from Taliban retaliation. “Some may disagree, but imagine if the Taliban had accessed this list,” he argued. Consequently, the government launched a secret resettlement scheme in April 2024.
So far, around 4,500 Afghans have relocated to the UK under the Afghanistan Response Route. The program, costing an estimated £400 million, may eventually reach £850 million. Despite the high expense, officials emphasize that lives were at stake.
Meanwhile, affected families expressed fear and frustration. One Afghan translator’s daughter said her family “panicked” upon learning of the breach. “No one knows where the data went—it could be with the Taliban,” she said. Her grandmother remains in Afghanistan, leaving her “completely vulnerable.”
The Afghan data leak crisis only became public this week after a High Court lifted a gag order. The leaked information included names, contact details, and family records.
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith condemned the lack of transparency. “Parliament cannot be ignored for that length of time,” he declared. Defense Secretary John Healey later confirmed the official responsible no longer holds the same position. He also issued a formal apology.
Despite the controversy, Wallace maintains his actions were justified. “This was not a cover-up,” he stressed. Instead, he framed the injunction as a necessary step in the Afghan data leak crisis. As debates continue, the focus remains on protecting those still at risk.
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