Ever since Joe Biden made the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Boris Johnson has been scrambling to catch up with events. The situation in Kabul has deteriorated faster than many anticipated so ministers have been found on the hop (and in some cases on holiday) as they have had to ramp up rescue missions to evacuate UK citizens and Afghans in need. While both the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and minister James Heappey have admitted they won’t be able to get everyone out, there is still a question as to who carries the blame for any such failure.
In recent days a new government line has emerged: that Johnson wants Biden to extend the pull out date for US forces past 31 August. Ministers say that once US troops leave, there is no option for the UK to remain as it is the Americans who have secured Kabul airport.
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