Refugee Action responds to Home Office resettlement announcement

Commenting on the government’s announcement of a new refugee resettlement programme Stephen Hale OBE, Chief Executive of Refugee Action, said:

“Conflict and persecution scar our world and have forced over 25 million refugees to flee their homes. Every country should step up to play their part in this and refugee resettlement is an integral part of the UK’s response. We’re delighted that the Home Secretary has made a new commitment today.

“The UK refugee resettlement programme is a life-saver for vulnerable refugees and has been popular across the country. Over 300 local authorities have chosen to welcome refugees into their communities, and since 2015 it’s enabled almost 20,000 people to rebuild their lives here through the Syrian and other UK refugee resettlement schemes.

“We’re delighted the new programme will welcome vulnerable refugees irrespective of nationality, although disappointed that the commitment is only for one year at this stage. A long-term programme is critical to ensure the quality of support provided to refugees is the best it can possibly be. They deserve nothing less.”