London: Britain’s Secret Afghan Relocation Scheme has emerged following a major Ministry of Defence data breach that exposed personal details of thousands of Afghans who supported British forces, putting them at risk of Taliban reprisals.
The scheme, hidden under a super injunction until a court lifted it, is estimated to cost about GBP 2 billion ($2.7 billion) to relocate those affected and their families to the UK.
The data leak occurred in early 2022 when a spreadsheet containing sensitive information was mistakenly emailed to an external recipient. The following year, the data was published on Facebook, leading to significant security fears for individuals named in the document. The Conservative government at the time responded by setting up the Secret Afghan Relocation Scheme to protect the exposed Afghans.
In Full: Statement from Defence Secretary @JohnHealey_MP on Afghan resettlement. pic.twitter.com/cmx5IZkQ7Y
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) July 15, 2025
Defence Minister, John Healey has apologised for the breach and said that it should never have happened. Minister told lawmakers that although the incident happened under the previous government, the Ministry of Defence takes responsibility and regrets the impact on Afghan allies who trusted the UK.
Thousands of Afghans are understood to have been relocated through the Secret Afghan Relocation Scheme, with the government also facing lawsuits for the anxiety and distress caused. Sean Humber, a lawyer at Leigh Day representing some affected, has said that the victims are likely to have valid claims for compensation due to the severe breach of privacy.
British troops served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, supporting local allies throughout combat operations and post-conflict rebuilding. The Secret Afghan Relocation Scheme highlights the long-term responsibility the UK bears towards its former partners.
News of the costly programme comes as Britain’s public finances remain under strain, while the anti-immigration Reform UK party continues to gain ground in opinion polls. The final cost of the Secret Afghan Relocation Scheme may rise further if compensation payouts proceed.
The super injunction prevented the media from reporting on the leak or the scheme until it was lifted by a court ruling this week. The disclosure has reignited debate about data protection, accountability and the lasting legacy of the UK’s involvement in Afghanistan.
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