Afghanistan: Councils pledge to help refugees in Glasgow and the west
Councils across Glasgow and the west are setting out their commitment to help refugees fleeing Afghanistan.
The UK government has pledged to take in up to 20,000 over the next few years, and says it will work with councils to house them.
The Prime Minister says around a quarter will arrive in the next 12 months.
Glasgow
62 refugees have already been given homes in Glasgow.
People who have worked with UK authorities over the past 20 years, and their families, have been arriving in the city since June.
The city’s new residents have already been granted refugee status by the Home Office under a pre-existing scheme for people who worked with British Forces - including interpreters - this means they have permission to live permanently in the UK.
Councillor Jen Layden, Glasgow’s Convener for Equalities and Human Rights said: ‘Glasgow has a proud record of welcoming people who have escaped conflict and persecution.
‘We saw that most recently with the refuge and support Glasgow and other Scottish local authorities provided to the Syrian men, women and children who fled the horrific civil war in their country.
‘And we saw how the solidarity and support we provided helped those traumatised to settle in their new environment.
‘The images we are now seeing of events unfolding in Afghanistan are harrowing. We should all be concerned about the implications of the Taliban takeover of swathes of Afghanistan on human rights abuses and persecution of those they perceive to be their opponents.
‘The UK Government has to step up to the plate. They must mobilise an Afghan programme with funding for local authorities and third sector organisations to support, similar to that put in place for fleeing Syrians, and do so immediately.
"Glasgow is already sheltering 24 Afghan families, and we stand ready to offer whatever additional support we can."
Renfrewshire
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "We have successfully helped Syrian refugees to make their new home here, including providing a place to stay, support to integrate into the community, education, employment, and trauma support.
‘We continue to work with COSLA and other local authorities at a national level to support Afghan nationals resettling into Scotland and will ensure we take part in current and future calls for humanitarian support.’
North Lanarkshire
Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: ‘"The situation in Afghanistan is deeply worrying and we are working closely with our colleagues in COSLA in preparation of welcoming refugees fleeing from the country.
"North Lanarkshire has a proud and compassionate record of ensuring that people escaping terror are made to feel welcome as they start to build new lives here.’
"We stand ready to provide our full support and we will do everything within our powers to help those people in the greatest need.’
South Lanarkshire
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: ‘South Lanarkshire has a proud record of assisting refugees and our neighbourhoods welcomed dozens of families who fled Syria.
‘The situation in Afghanistan clearly has escalated rapidly and we await further information and proposals from the government.’
Inverclyde
An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: ‘We’ve welcomed several families over the years who have made Inverclyde their home thanks to our successful resettlement scheme.
‘We’re currently supporting 28 Syrian families, five Afghan families and four Sudanese families.
‘We had committed to supporting at least 12 more Afghan families through the existing UK Afghan resettlement scheme prior to the recent events that have taken place in the country.
‘We’re currently monitoring the ongoing situation and discussing what additional support we could provide while we await further information from the government."
East Dunbartonshire
Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said, "We are currently monitoring the situation and will review our position in accordance with guidance and discussions - including COSLA."
West Dunbartonshire
A spokesperson said: "West Dunbartonshire has proudly welcomed a number of refugees from various countries over the years, and will continue to play a part in resettlement schemes."
This article will be updated with information from more local authorities as it becomes available.