Most-read 2021: The shameful evacuation of Pen Farthing’s pets from Afghanistan

We’re closing the year by republishing our ten most popular articles in 2021. Here’s number five, James Kirkup on the Afghan doglift:

Two stories on the Afghan evacuation today combine to leave me full of bewildered rage.

The first, from the Times:

Britain may have to leave 1,000 Afghan support staff behindUp to 1,100 Afghan citizens entitled to come to the UK are likely to be left behind as British forces withdraw from Afghanistan in the next 48 hours.The RAF was expected last night to complete the evacuation of 15,000 Afghan and British citizens from Kabul airport despite the terrorist attacks. The military will have pulled out by the end of the weekend.Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, said that between 800 and 1,100 Afghan interpreters and other support staff were unlikely to make it out. Up to 150 Britons are also likely to be left behind.

The second, from the BBC:

Afghanistan: Pen Farthing through Kabul airport security with animals An animal charity’s founder has made it through Kabul airport’s security, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.