Afghanistan refugees to settle in North East Lincolnshire

Four families fleeing Afghanistan will be able to start a new life in North East Lincolnshire.

The council has agreed to support staff who have worked with British forces and face retribution under the new Taliban regime.

The families will be provided with temporary accommodation in the borough.

They will be supported with finding employment, school places for children and English language skills for women and children.

The government has promised to settle at least 5,000 Afghan nationals who worked with British armed forces in the next year.

Thousands of people have already fled the country since the government collapsed and the Taliban returned to power.

Political leaders have welcomed the chance to protect people who risked their lives for western troops, including translators and embassy staff.

North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said:

“I know that these people took a tremendous risk when they supported our soldiers in Afghanistan, and it is right that we should follow the rest of the UK in repaying that support.

“These families have lost their homes and livelihoods as the Taliban has retaken the country.

“Council officers are now working with the Government to facilitate this resettlement, and welcome any offers of donations for things like items of clothing.”

Councillor Matthew Patrick, leader of Labour Group, said:

“I fully support this course of action. These are people who have put their lives on the line to work with our forces, keeping them safe.

“We are fully supportive of efforts to resettle them.”

The leader of North East Lincolnshire’s Liberal Democrat party, Councillor Steve Beasant, said:

“These families will be tired, scared and confused. We in North East Lincolnshire can offer them support as they start their new lives in a strange country.

“I’m really pleased that the Council has agreed to support those that have shown the same kindness to our troops.”

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan as US troops withdrew at the end of the 20 year war.

There are already reports of human rights abuses by the Taliban, who are carrying out door to door searches for ‘collaborators’ according to the United Nations.

To donate clothing or goods to refugees in the area, visit this website.