In a recent tribunal case, whistleblower Josie Stewart revealed disturbing internal communications within Whitehall during the Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021. Stewart, a former Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) employee, brought to light hundreds of emails about the evacuation of animals from Kabul, including dogs and cats from the Nowzad charity.

The case focused on the UK government's handling of the chaotic evacuation, with Stewart claiming that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was involved in fast-tracking the evacuation of animals, a claim he previously dismissed as 'total nonsense.' While the withdrawal of tens of thousands of people from Afghanistan was marred by violence, including a deadly suicide bombing and an erroneous US drone strike, emails disclosed in the case shed light on the government's focus on animal evacuations, particularly the Nowzad charity led by former marine Pen Farthing.

Despite opposition from various officials in Whitehall, who questioned the prioritization of animals over people, Johnson's office intervened, ensuring the evacuation of Nowzad’s animals and staff.

The emails also reveal tensions over the public perception of prioritizing animals during a humanitarian crisis.

In August 2021, communication lines within Whitehall grew strained as officials discussed how to handle media reports and messaging around the Nowzad evacuation.

By August 28, Farthing confirmed that animals had been evacuated, though his staff was not included in the initial flight.

Stewart’s whistleblowing led to her dismissal from the FCDO after her security clearance was removed, and she pursued an unfair dismissal claim, which was later upheld by a tribunal.

The case highlights the broader issues of prioritization and decision-making within the UK government amid the Kabul evacuation crisis.