Afghans given asylum in the UK following a mass data leak are being prioritised for housing over former soldiers, veterans have warned.

Asylum seekers can become eligible for council housing after just nine months in the UK.

And as revealed by court documents, Afghans have been sent to Aberdeen in Scotland, Bracknell in Berkshire, Cardiff in Wales, Preston in Lancashire, West Sussex and Yorkshire.

Under the Armed Forces Covenant, both the Government and local authorities are committed to helping military families - including veterans - gain access to housing, healthcare and education.

But in light of the leak, veterans have voiced fears that the arrival of thousands of Afghans could hinder their efforts to find secure accommodation.

Terry Reed, who runs the charity Boxing for Veterans, said: "I think [Afghans] should get help, especially the ones that have assisted the UK forces, because some of their intelligence would have saved lives.

PA

"But I still think our veterans should get first priority. A lot of veterans do feel let down."

His vow that the Afghans deserve British support is mirrored by other veterans - including George Ford, who opened up on his own housing ordeal to GB News last month.

Ford, a Parachute Regiment veteran, was was shot on a tour of Afghanistan and has suffered from PTSD.

But he told the People's Channel that he felt "degraded" by Bracknell Forest Council after falling behind in the queue for emergency accommodation to the Afghan Refugee Scheme.

GEORGE FORD

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "This Government is committed to renewing the nation's contract with those who have served and is delivering at pace on veterans' housing; including removing the local connection requirement for veterans seeking social housing in England and [providing] an extra £3.5million for homelessness services.

"The Prime Minister announced new legislation to put the Armed Forces community, including veterans, at the heart of government decision-making.

"And we are creating Op Valour, a first-of-its-kind, UK-wide support system, to ensure veterans have access to joined-up health, housing and employment services, regardless of where they live."