Afghans resettled in UK ‘are at risk of radicalisation’

Lack of housing could leave thousands facing homelessness

- HOLLY BANCROFT SOCIAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT

Afghans evacuated to safety in Britain are at risk of being radicalised because they may feel let down by their new lives in the UK, a review into the catastrophic Ministry of Defence (MoD) data leak has warned.

Paul Rimmer’s review warned that competing pressures on the UK housing system and wider public services meant there was a “growing gap” between the expectations and reality of life in Britain for Afghans who resettle here.

The former deputy head of Defence Intelligence, who led the government’s review into the data breach, urged the Home Office to investigate the risk of radicalisation further, warning that Afghanistan is “becoming a base for a wide range of terrorist groups”.

Under secret plans to evacuate Afghans affected by the breach to the UK, ministers had approved a scheme which estimated that 10 per cent of refugees could become homeless.

Those brought to Britain are housed in temporary accommodation for nine months before, in most cases, being expected to find their own homes. The review found that many of them may not have anywhere to live long term.

The findings were revealed in a new version of the report, which was shared with the media that were connected to the superinjunction case, after a private version of the report was “opened up” by lawyers, allowing it to be shared.