The UK government is in discussions with the Taliban to secure safe passage for remaining British nationals and eligible Afghan evacuees and has launched ‘Operation Warm Welcome’ for refugees from Afghanistan, Downing Street said on Wednesday.

The talks, involving UK officials and “senior” Taliban members, are said to be taking place in Doha, Qatar, and additionally, Britain is also sending 15 “crisis response specialists” to neighbouring Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to assist British diplomats in their work to allow people to reach the UK via third countries. The focus is on helping UK nationals, interpreters and other Afghans who were employed by the UK.