British Council suspends work in Afghanistan

The UK cultural and outreach agency has suspended all operations in Afghanistan in light of the Taliban takeover.

The British Council's press office would not confirm whether this includes any arts programmes "for safety and security reasons".

The British Council website says it has worked in English, education and art in Afghanistan, and it has a headquarters in the British Embassy building in Kabul.

"We remain deeply concerned not only for our colleagues and those we have worked with over the last twenty years, but for all the people of Afghanistan," the council says.

"We are working very closely with the UK government to do everything we possibly can to ensure that all relocation applications of current and former British Council employees and contractors receive the fullest consideration possible.”