To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a programme similar to that for Iraqi staff will be established to recognise local Afghan staff working for the British Government in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. (157122)

Locally engaged Afghan staff working for our armed forces and civilian missions in Afghanistan have made an invaluable contribution to the UK’s efforts to help support the spread of security, stability and development in their country. We acknowledge their contribution with gratitude. But given the difference in circumstances between them and their colleagues in Iraq, there are no plans for a similar scheme of assistance.