Warrington stands ready to rehouse refugees fleeing Afghanistan

The Home Office says it is committed to providing protection for vulnerable people leaving the country amid the current crisis.

It has been ‘working quickly’ across Government and with international partners to establish the details of the new Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme (ACRS).

The scheme will provide protection for Afghan citizens identified as most at risk, such as women and girls.

The Government has committed to take around 5,000 people in the first year and 20,000 over the coming years.

Warrington Borough Council has offered to rehouse around 30 refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

Leader Cllr Russ Bowden says he thinks it is ‘absolutely right’ that the town plays its part in the Government’s initiative and to ‘signal our intent’ to take and house individuals.

He said: “I think it’s really important, in the context of what’s happened over the last 20 years, it’s absolutely necessary that the UK supports those people who supported the UK in Afghanistan in incredibly difficult circumstances, so we’re supportive of that initiative, we’ve signalled our intention.

“We’re still waiting on details really from the Government about how this is going to happen, so we certainly haven’t got to the stage of anybody arriving, but when the Government asks us to act then we’re prepared to act.”

Vulnerable Afghan citizens who were called forward by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office but could not be evacuated will be guaranteed a place under the resettlement scheme, the Government says.

The Government confirmed it is looking at options to ensure that ACRS provides a safe route for those who are most vulnerable and at risk now that ‘we are moving into a new phase for resettlement’.

It stated much will depend on the ability of individuals to receive safe passage from Afghanistan, adding that it will also work alongside local authorities to identify accommodation for those that arrive.