and the government is now playing catch up, and it needs to do so urgently, not least because we have this ongoing mission under to recover as many british passport holders and other entitled personnel as we possibly can. the really big job for the government is to demonstrate they are on top of this crisis. so far they haven't appeared as if they have been. in crisis. so far they haven't appeared as if they have been.— as if they have been. in terms of those channels _ as if they have been. in terms of those channels of— as if they have been. in terms of| those channels of communication as if they have been. in terms of- those channels of communication with the taliban, what do you think the nature of those should be? t the taliban, what do you think the nature of those should be?- nature of those should be? i don't think that, — nature of those should be? i don't think that, at _ nature of those should be? i don't think that, at this _ nature of those should be? i don't think that, at this stage, - nature of those should be? i don't think that, at this stage, we - nature of those should be? i don'tl think that, at this stage, we should formally recognise the taliban. but unpalatable as it is, it is in our interests to engage diplomatically with the new regime in kabul, not least in securing safe passage for those currently trying to get out of the country, but also thinking slightly to the medium and longer term, there are a number of international aid agencies operating international aid agencies operating in afghanistan. we need to work with the new regime in kabul to ensure that they are content with their activities to continue, because if they are not, and if we are not able