A BRADFORD MP says she is "heartbroken" by the current situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have taken control of the country 20 years after being overthrown.

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, adds that she is "extremely worried" after the group seized power, with many Afghans being forced to flee.

"It breaks my heart to see this happening in Afghanistan again", she says.

"I am a former foster parent, who provided support to young people from Afghanistan who had lost their parents in the conflict, so I am acutely familiar with the distress that these people must be going through.

"I fostered an Afghan boy, and I am heartbroken to see this happening. It is the civilians who pay the price."

Bradford is recognised as a 'City of Sanctuary' - by the City of Sanctuary movement - meaning it prides itself on being a place which is welcoming to those who have had to flee from war, conflict and persecution in other countries.

Given what is happening in Afghanistan now, many are predicting a refugee crisis, with Ms Shah arguing that, if this does become the case, Bradford must "continue its proud tradition" of being a hospitable place for asylum seekers.

"Bradford is a City of Sanctuary and, as far as I'm concerned, we should be playing our parts", she says.

"Bradford always comes together, and I don't see this time being any different."

Will Sutcliffe, Chair of Bradford City of Sanctuary, added: "Since the 17th century, when Bradford welcomed Huguenot refugees fleeing torture and mass killings under King Louis XIV, the city has had a proud history of welcoming people forced from their homes by tyrannical regimes. Many have also made huge contributions to the city's cultural and economic development.

"I am confident that any Afghans we provide a home to now will continue in this tradition - and that, once again, the local population will offer the welcome and support that earned us recognition as one of the UK's first Cities of Sanctuary."