On Wednesday August 18, Parliament was recalled to address the very serious, and desperately worrying, situation in Afghanistan.

I know that many local people are rightly distressed by the return of the Taliban and the impact this will have on millions of Afghans at home and people around the world.

Over recent days, I have been contacted by many local people about the future of Afghanistan. I am grateful to all those in Newport West who have taken the time to write to me; but more importantly, I am grateful for their calls for action.

There are many things I want to say but sadly I wasn’t called to speak during the recall debate. Like many people in Newport West, I am sad and angry by the events we have seen on our television and phone screens.

The world is watching Afghanistan be torn apart by violence and fear.

The UK cannot walk by on the other side – we have to act, and we cannot afford to wait a moment longer. I acknowledge that ministers’ have pledged 5,000 Afghans will be offered sanctuary in our country, but we must do more and go further.

If I had been called in the debate, I would have made clear that we have an obligation to act, to protect the lives of women and girls, particularly, but of course, all those affected by the Taliban’s takeover.

It is clear that there has been the most extraordinary miscalculation of the ability and preparedness of the, now deposed, Afghan government and its armed forces to cope with the threat posed by the Taliban.

That miscalculation, I am afraid, rests with the politicians – across the Western world - who stepped back and allowed this withdrawal to take place with such little planning and evident thought.

In 2012, my predecessor, Paul Flynn, was suspended from Parliament for taking the then Defence Secretary to task on the treatment and safety of British troops. Paul also ensured those brave women and men who lost their lives were never forgotten by reading their names out in the Chamber.

It is a matter of deep regret that those who lost loved ones, those who served and those who sustained serious injury will now look at the last 20 years and think what on earth was the point?

The loss of rights and freedoms enjoyed by the women and girls of Afghanistan in recent years is particularly upsetting. I signed a letter, alongside women MPs from across Parliament expressing our support and solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan.

I am so proud of the way our First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS, has made very clear that Wales will welcome refugees with open arms and I will be pushing UK ministers to ensure that the devolved administrations, and local councils, have the resources they need to honour our commitment to those fleeing Afghanistan.

Over the coming days, I will be holding Ministers to account and making sure they do the right thing by all those in such desperate need. If you have family in Afghanistan and need assistance in getting them safely out of the country, please get in touch with me as soon as you can.

You can always contact me on ruth.jones.mp@parliament.uk or 07423 277979. I continue to hold regular virtual surgeries; if you want an appointment, please get in touch.