Tory MP forced to apologise for video praising Taliban rule of Afghanistan as colleagues move to oust him
Tobias Ellwood praised the Taliban in a now deleted social media video
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Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood has deleted a video praising the Taliban as colleagues launched a bid to oust him as chairman of the Commons Defence Committee.
The Bournemouth East MP sparked outrage after posting a video on social media in which he said that security in Afghanistan had “vastly improved” since the Taliban had returned to power.
He added that “corruption is down” and the opium trade has “all but disappeared”.
Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid praised Elwood’s “positive” report from Helmand province.
Mark Francois has lodged a confidence motion in Ellwood
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Ellwood admitted last night that the “video could be done better” but said it had been filmed with good intentions.
The MP argued that he was attempting to make the point that it was necessary to engage with the Taliban in order to have an impact on areas such as women's rights.
Four members of the Defence Select Committee have tabled a confidence motion in the committee chairman in protest at his comments.
Kevan Jones, Mark Francois, Derek Twigg and Richard Drax have all put their name to the motion.
Tobias Ellwood said his video was well intentioned
In the House of Commons yesterday Mark Francois said Ellwood should be “very careful” in expressing his views.
He described the video as “utterly bizarre”, arguing it was “lauding the Taliban’s management of the country”.
He added: “I wish to make plain on behalf of the committee he was speaking for himself, even though he used the title of chairman of our committee in a number of associated articles. Not in our name.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also said he would "look at" the video.
In a broadcast interview last night, Ellwood said: "It’s important to put your hand up and acknowledge errors, however well intentioned.
"I stand up, I speak my mind. I try and find solutions especially on the international stage.
"I’m very, very sorry that my reflection of my visit could have been much better worded and have been taken out of context."