Good news that the first Syrian refugees have now arrived in the UK as part of the Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme. This scheme, which the Home Secretary outlined to Parliament on 29 January, is designed to provide protection in this country to particularly vulnerable people displaced by the conflict in Syria. A number of local authorities have already signed up to support the scheme and further discussions are ongoing with other authorities.
The UK has a proud tradition of granting protection to those in need. Indeed, the UK is the second largest bilateral donor to the Syrian relief effort after the USA, having provided £600 million so far. In addition, the Government continues to offer humanitarian support in the region and in the UK. The greatest contribution we can make, of course, is to work to end the conflict altogether and we continue to seek a peaceful settlement that enables a political transition and an end to violence.
A copy of James Brokenshire’s statement on the full details of the scheme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/vulnerable-persons-relocation-scheme-for-syrian-nationals
