Our international leaders should hang their heads in shame
Our thoughts are with those in Afghanistan after this weekend's events. Women and girls will be terrified that their liberties and rights are about to be permanently extinguished. We must not conclude that this rapid collapse was inevitable. It was not. We must never forget that the scenes playing out before our eyes are a direct result of the decisions taken by President Biden, the UK Government and other coalition forces. The Prime Minister should call in all political parties and ensure that we respond with unity and purpose.
The government must make this their top priority today - and establish a safe corridor of land from Kabul to an international border that may offer an escape route from this murderous, tyrannical and barbaric regime. All those who need to escape the Taliban, especially women and girls, must be given the chance. The Prime Minister needs to show international leadership and start work with our allies on this immediately.
The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, wrote to Johnson on Sunday, saying: "It is without doubt that we face a crucial point in history and, as a nation, we must act together before it is too late.
"Given the tragedy unfolding before our eyes and the grave threat to national security this raises, I urge you to invite all Westminster party leaders from across the UK to meet with you to discuss our nation's response to this crisis. It is also right that parliament is recalled as soon as possible to discuss the UK's response.
"The UK has a responsibility to the people of Afghanistan and to the international community. Now is the time to act - to do the right thing, and bring political parties together in our national interest."