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New Evidence to MPs Links MoD Afghan Data Leak to 49 Killings

Ministers are releasing files to MPs, with an internal review underway as the committee tests the MoD’s use of secrecy.

Overview

  • First on-the-ground research submitted to the Defence Committee reports at least 49 relatives or colleagues of affected Afghans have been killed following the 2022 leak.
  • Of 231 people notified their data was exposed, 87% reported threats, 43% reported direct threats to life, and many described raids, assaults and severe mental-health harms.
  • Journalists told MPs the nearly two-year super-injunction curtailed scrutiny, noting the MoD initially warned of a grave risk before a 2025 review said the data was of more limited value.
  • An anonymous caseworker said they flagged the breach to officials in August 2023 but only received a ministerial response after tagging a minister on social media.
  • Defence Minister Luke Pollard has provided hundreds of pages from the secret court case to Parliament with limited redactions, offered classified briefings, and commissioned an internal review, with further witnesses expected.