A Maidstone MP is working to secure the safety of people trying to flee the Taliban in Afghanistan and said she is doing all she can to help constituents affected by the crisis.

Helen Grant who represents Maidstone and the Weald said the evacuation of tens of thousands of people is "ongoing, deteriorating and dangerous."

She said: "Around 50 of my constituents in both Maidstone and the Weald have been directly affected by the events and they fall into one of three categories.

"They are UK citizens awaiting repatriation to the UK or they are related to Afghan nationals, who may be eligible to come to the UK via the Government’s ARAP scheme (the criteria being those who have been employed directly or indirectly by US or UK forces, and are therefore vulnerable to reprisals).

"Or they are related to Afghan nationals who are exposed to persecution for other reasons – perhaps through exercising their right to free speech as journalists, or simply because of their ethnic minority backgrounds. "

She said: "People in this last category may be entitled to come to the UK under a new scheme announced by the government last week called the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme."

Mrs Grant said she had her team were doing all they could to secure the safety of those affected.

She said: "I am maintaining direct personal contact with every connected family across my constituency.

"And we are liaising with a wide range of agencies to get help, support and guidance to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, both in Afghanistan and here in the UK.

"In addition to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, we are in touch with the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office, the UK Border Force, UK Visas and Immigration and the British Embassy in Kabul as well as several charities and aid organisations."

Mrs Grant said: "During these past days my heart has been warmed by some shining lights amid the dark clouds of crisis.

"They are special individuals who have been touched by the images they have witnessed on the TV and from personal experience, but who have no direct connection with people in Afghanistan."

"They have been offering help, assistance and support of every kind. Be it homes for incoming refugees, relevant professional skills, clothing, or counselling. Their kindness, generosity and sheer good spirit has been very moving.

"I urge anyone in my constituency with concerns for the welfare and wellbeing of family and friends in Afghanistan to contact me as soon as possible and we will do all we can to help.

"Time is of the essence as it appears the US deadline for withdrawal is likely to remain fixed for Tuesday, August 31 and any action thereafter will be exceptionally difficult."

Mrs Grant can be reached by email to helen.grant.mp@parliament.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

Read more: All the latest news from Weald