British couple in their 70s detained by Taliban in Afghanistan | World News

A British couple in their 70s who run education programmes in Afghanistan have been arrested by the Taliban, their children say. 

Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were detained earlier this month but the reason for their arrests is unknown.

Their four adult children have said the couple were married in Kabul in 1970 and have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years – remaining after the Taliban toppled the Western-backed government in 2021.

The couple runs Rebuild, an organisation that provides education and training programmes for businesses, government agencies, educational organisations and nongovernmental groups.

Photos on Rebuild’s website show both men and women taking part in various courses, including teacher training and management courses.

Since the Taliban suddenly returned to power more than three years ago, it has severely restricted women’s education and activities and is considered the worst place on earth to be a woman.

In an open letter to the Taliban’s interior ministry, shared with Sky News, the couple’s children wrote: “They have always been open about their presence and their work, diligently respecting and obeying the laws as they change. They do not represent another religion, and they love Muslims dearly.”

The couple, who are also Afghan citizens, allegedly texted their children after their arrests saying they did not want Western authorities to get involved.

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In the childrens’ letter to the Taliban, they said: “We recognise that there have been instances where exchanges have been beneficial for your government and Western nations.

“However, our parents have consistently expressed their commitment to Afghanistan, stating that they would rather sacrifice their lives than become part of ransom negotiations or be traded.

“We trust that this is not your intention, as we are instructed to respect their wishes to remain with you.”

The children added: “They have chosen Afghanistan as their home, rather than with family in England, and they wish to spend the rest of their lives in Afghanistan.”

The Foreign Office declined to comment but it is understood they are aware of the arrests. The UK does not recognise the Taliban and has no embassy in Kabul.