Ministers would repeat the Afghan superinjunction scandal – as row breaks out over thousands who served Britain who are now ‘abandoned’ to Taliban reprisals

The Ministry of Defence says it would use a superinjunction again if needed to keep information about a major Afghan data breach secret. The disclosure comes amid criticism that thousands of Afghans who worked alongside British forces and have been offered sanctuary remain in danger under Taliban rule, without clear help to reach safety.

A data breach exposed 100,000 Afghans to possible Taliban reprisals. Around 3,000 people eligible to come to Britain have not received UK help to leave Afghanistan, and MPs say half of those offered sanctuary have yet to reach a third country safely, lawfully and affordably. Ministers introduced a requirement for them to move themselves to another country within 12 months; one former interpreter said a family visa bill could reach $10,000 (£7,400).