"It's only right" UK continues to extend a helping hand to refugees

  • By Gemma Kappala-R...

Responding to a Written Ministerial Statement laid today by the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, on the future of refugee resettlement schemes post 2020, Cllr Muhammed Butt, London Councils' Executive member for Welfare, Empowerment and Inclusion, said:

 "It’s only right that the UK continues to extend a helping hand to refugees fleeing tragic and difficult circumstances.

“Supporting refugees and asylum seekers so they are able to deal with their experiences and are able to start rebuilding their lives is important work. 

 "The UK and London are diverse and inclusive places where we can help to make people feel safe and secure.

 "London is well placed to provide support to refugees through resettlement due to its welcoming, settled and diverse communities.

“However London boroughs face substantial challenges in finding suitable accommodation in London for refugees due to high rents not being covered by benefit payments, often making up the shortfall themselves.

 "Despite this challenge, London boroughs have now resettled over 875 refugees fleeing the Syrian war and other conflicts since 2016.

“Boroughs need more long-term certainty and increased funding in the upcoming Spending Review so we are able to continue providing high quality care, support and advice to refugees and asylum seekers.”

ENDS