BRAINTREE'S MP says his department is "working around the clock" in order to get British nationals out of Afghanistan following the recent hostile takeover by the Taliban.

James Cleverly MP, who is the current Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, has said work is underway to bring nationals back to UK soil.

In his position, Mr Cleverly is part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) but is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army Reserve.

On Wednesday, he confirmed the FCDO is working to bring back a number of charities and non-government groups.

He added the FCDO is working to bring Afghans who have worked against the Taliban to safety.

It is understood the FCDO is organising military flights out of Afghanistan to continue evacuating UK nationals and Mr Cleverly is appealing for UK nationals in Afghanistan to register with the FCDO.

He said: "I know that you will all be concerned by the devastating scenes unfolding in Afghanistan.

"I can assure you that my colleagues in the FCDO, the armed forces and other government departments are working around the clock to get British nationals out of Kabul safely.

"We are aware of members of non-government organisations and charities who are still in Afghanistan and we are working to repatriate them as well.

"We are also supporting Afghans who have worked with us, and who have worked to promote democracy, promote human rights, and promote freedom and education for women and girls.

"We know that many of them are a significant risk of reprisals from the Taliban and we are working to bring them to safety too.

"Since April 21, we have advised that all British nationals come home.

"On August 6, we asked any remaining British nationals to leave Afghanistan immediately.

"We recognise that the situation deteriorated quickly and many people struggled to get home as commercial airlines ceased operation.

"The FCDO have arranged charter flights to support the military flights and will continue to evacuate UK nationals.

"The FCDO are monitoring the situation 24/7 as getting people to safety is our main priority."

British nationals can contact the FCDO on +44 (0)1908 516666 and then selecting the option 'Consular services for British nationals'

They can also email help@fco.gov.uk. Registered British nationals will be contacted about flights.

Mr Cleverly is also wanting his constituents to get in touch if they need help with a British national getting back to the UK.