Newcastle ready to “play its part” for Afghan refugees

Newcastle City Council says they will “play its part” to support a potential Government scheme that could see up to 20,000 Afghan refugees offered a home in the UK.

A spokesperson for the Council said, “It has been devastating to see the recent developments in Afghanistan unfold.”

Newcastle stands ready

A statement released by Newcastle City Council made it clear that they “are keen to hear the Government’s plans to extend resettlement support to refugees fleeing Afghanistan.”

They added that “Newcastle stands ready to play its part.”

“We are ready to build on the support we’ve provided to Afghan interpreters who worked for the British Army, to give those currently at risk a better and safer future in our city.”

Catastrophe

Chi Onwurah, the member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne central, said the government must ‘step up’ as terrible scenes unfold in Kabul.

She said:  “The situation in Afghanistan is a catastrophe on so many levels, the Government must step up its responsibilities to the Afghan people and all who battled for a better future.”

“Britain must live up to its international obligations and ensure that any refugees fleeing the Taliban are supported through safe and legal asylum routes.”

Government response

The UK government has agreed to resettle up to 20,000 Afghan refugees, with 5,000 to be resettled within the scheme’s first year.

The scheme is set to take place over the next five to seven years.