Politics Weekly UK Will the Afghan data leak cover up be a gift for Reform UK?
Jul 17, 2025
Kiran Stacey, The Guardian’s political correspondent, joins Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to discuss a concealed data breach impacting Afghan resettlement and its political ramifications. They tackle the implications of government secrecy and the role of super injunctions in democracy. Miliband sheds light on the cultural battles surrounding climate action, revealing public sentiment about net zero goals and wealth taxation as a potential funding solutions, blending urgent climate discussions with political realities.
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Secrecy Behind Afghan Data Leak
- The UK government concealed a massive Afghan resettlement scheme for two years under a super injunction.
- This secrecy highlights Whitehall's default to closed-door decisions in sensitive situations with political consequences.
Political Motives Prolonged Secrecy
- The super injunction was repeatedly renewed to avoid political fallout surrounding immigration ahead of elections.
- Both Conservative and Labour governments extended secrecy, making accountability complicated.
Super Injunction's Extended Silence
- John Healy, shadow defence secretary, knew about the secret scheme but could not inform Keir Starmer due to the super injunction.
- Reporters were similarly gagged, unable to share information even amongst themselves.