The Afghan files: the inside story on the catastrophic leak

The Afghan files: the inside story on the catastrophic leak

Author: Financial Times July 18, 2025 Duration: 33:12

One of the gravest security lapses in UK history came to light this week after a judge lifted a superinjunction on a catastrophic data leak that could have affected 100,000 Afghans, as well as British spies and special forces members. Political Fix’s Lucy Fisher, one of the journalists who broke the story, returns to the show to talk with host George Parker about how the FT uncovered the secret scheme, the superinjunction that was imposed on her, and the political fallout from the exposé. And the FT’s Jim Pickard and Ashley Armstrong join to discuss the reaction to Rachel Reeves’ Mansion House speech, as well as Keir Starmer’s suspension of more MPs. 


Follow George Parker on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Lucy Fisher @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social; Ashley Armstrong @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social 


What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  


Want more? Free links:   

UK set up secret Afghan immigration scheme after data leak and gagged media 


The British state's battle to contain the fallout from catastrophic Afghan data leak


‘What reforms?’ City leaders underwhelmed by Rachel Reeves’ financial strategy 


Keir Starmer suspends four rebel Labour MPs



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Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. 


Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com


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Every Friday, the team behind Political Fix gathers to make sense of the week's political turbulence. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a deep, often lively conversation that pulls back the curtain on how decisions are really made in Westminster and beyond. You'll hear from the Financial Times journalists who are actually there, in the corridors and committee rooms, paired with expert voices who provide crucial context. Together, they untangle complex policy debates, analyse the shifting alliances, and question the strategies defining Britain's future. The result is a clear-eyed, authoritative look at the forces shaping the nation, delivered with the FT's signature rigor and insight. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private briefing, one that prioritizes substance over noise. It’s for anyone who wants to move past the soundbites and understand the real stories and personalities driving the political agenda. New episodes arrive weekly, offering a consistent and essential perspective on a landscape that never stops moving.
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