NEW figures from the Home Office have highlighted the number of Ukrainian refugees that have been rehomed in Warrington.
The 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme was promoted by the Government in order to assist with providing the temporary rehoming of those displaced due to the war in Ukraine.
Nationally, the UK has taken in approximately 175,000 refugees from Ukraine since Russia's illegal invasion in 2022.
According to the figures, 248 Ukrainians have been rehomed within Warrington.
Warrington's own Ukrainian Family Hub was recently shortlisted in regional 'Make a Difference' awards, for the work that the group has done in ensuring rehomed refugees are made welcome in the town.
However, the Government has come under criticism for implementing different schemes for refugees from different conflicts.
Some have said that the Government's refugee schemes for those fleeing conflicts such as the regime change in Afghanistan - which came under the control of the Taliban in 2021 - are more 'restrictive' and 'complex.'
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said: "Many people are left in a truly desperate situation, forcing them to embark on dangerous journeys in search of protection.
"That’s why we see so many Afghan refugees risking their lives crossing the Channel, while practically no Ukrainians have had to resort to a dangerous crossing thanks to the success and workability of the Ukrainian schemes.
"We must see the Government scale up its efforts and offer protection to Afghan men, women and children who are vulnerable to persecution by the Taliban, as well as other people fleeing war and persecution in other parts of the world."
Data released by the Home Office also shows that net migration is up, with around 600,000 more people entering the UK last year than leaving it - the highest levels since 2003.
Marley Morris, associate director for migration, trade and communities at the IPPR think tank said the Government should avoid a 'knee-jerk' reaction to the net migration numbers and focus on clearing the asylum backlog instead.
He said: "In response to people arriving on small boats, the government should ramp up safe and legal routes, seek a new agreement with France and the EU, and drop its inhumane plans to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The UK has a proud history of providing protection for those who genuinely need it through our safe and legal routes.
"We have welcomed over a hundred thousand people from Ukraine and Hong Kong, and 9,113 Afghans under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.
"It is, however, wrong to set these two sets of vulnerable groups against each other. Each crisis situation requires a tailored response and our bespoke schemes for Ukrainians and Afghans have provided a route to safety to the UK for tens of thousands of vulnerable people."
They added: "We remain committed to reducing overall net migration, while stopping the boats and delivering control of our borders, prioritising tackling abuse and preventing dangerous and illegal crossings."
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