‘We are really down to hours now’ warns Wallace

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace warned on Monday that the UK must “exploit every minute” to get people out of Kabul as the window to help closes.

Wallace has said the UK will leave Kabul airport at the same time as US forces.

Speaking to media on Monday, he confirmed Prime Minister Boris Johnson will “try and seek” a US extension beyond the current 31 August evacuation deadline date at a G7 meeting tomorrow.

“When they withdraw that will take away the framework… we will have to go as well,” he said. “I don’t think there is any likelihood of staying on after the United States.”

He added that we are “really down to hours now, not weeks”, adding: “We have to make sure we exploit every minute to get people out.”

However, a spokesperson for the Taliban, Muhammad Suhail Shaheen, spoken to the BBC amid reports the UK will press for a deadline extension for international evacuations beyond 31 August.

“Foreign forces should withdraw on the deadline they have announced earlier. Otherwise, it is a clear violation,” Mr Shaheen said.

The spokesman added the Taliban’s reaction to such a move would be a decision for the group’s leadership.

Thousands of Afghans are continuing to try and flee the country ahead of the end-of-the-month deadline, with many citing fear of life under Taliban rule.

It is unclear whether international flights will be allowed in and out of the country once international forces leave and cease control of the airport.