We’ll take as many refugees as we are able
PKC leader makes Afghan crisis pledge
The leader of Perth and Kinross Council has said the region has to take as many desperate Afghan refugees as it can in response to the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn nation.
Up to 20,000 Afghans could seek asylum in the UK and Perth and Kinross Council’s four political groups have all expressed a willingness to help.
A full council meeting on Wednesday last week agreed to progress with moves to welcome refugees fleeing the Taliban takeover.
Council leader Murray Lyle said he was contacted by PKC’s interim chief executive Barbara Renton earlier the same week in relation to the matter.
Cllr Lyle said: “She asked the question and I said we had to take as many as we can.
“It’s the right thing to do and given – in my view – the absolutely horrific pictures we have seen from Afghanistan, we should endeavour to help those in jeopardy wherever we can.”
The council leader said officers were currently looking into options as to how they could accommodate those seeking refuge here in terms of housing, schooling and access to facilities.
It is hoped the region can build on the previous success of welcoming and supporting refugees fleeing the war in Syria.
Cllr Lyle added: “We are absolutely committed to help them wherever we can.”
The Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) said it “stands ready to help”.
Chief executive Paul Graham said: “We are already in conversations with groups who have approached us because they, like us, are keen that our area should do whatever it takes to offer support and refuge.
“Perth and the surrounding area is fortunate to have a flourishing and vibrant faith and communities sector which is committed to embracing new arrivals, and the diverse contributions they bring to our region.”
Perth Liberal Democrat elected member Peter Barrett said he wrote to Ms Renton urging the local authority to move quickly to offer support and accommodation to those fleeing Taliban rule.
He said: “There are 2000 Afghan people recently arrived in the UK and at least the same number due to arrive in the coming days.
“These families desperately need somewhere to live.”
Cllr Barrett added: “Perth has a track record of supporting Syrian refugee families and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
“I know we can help Afghan people who supported the UK government and institutions and who are now forced to flee for their safety.”
Cllr Barrett met with Robert Jenrick MP – the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government – alongside representatives from across the UK last week.
During the meeting Cllr Barrett asked what specific support there would be for Afghans self-isolating upon arrival in the UK.
He continued: “Families will only be placed with local authorities after they have completed the selfisolation period.
“The most urgent support needed is for larger parent and child families of between five and seven people.
“Council housing for this size of families is in extremely tight supply.
“I have already sought assurances that there will be no compromising of standards for any private sector rented property that the council sources.”
Independent Highland Perthshire councillor Xander McDade said: “We’re all saddened and deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and in particular what this regime change will mean for women, minorities and those who assisted NATO forces.
“The Independent and Scottish Labour Group are fully in support of Perth and Kinross supporting the UK government’s programme to house Afghan refugees seeking protection of the UK.
“We have also asked that the council works with partners to see if we can assist more families and individuals than currently planned given the expected increase in refugee numbers.”
Perth SNP councillor Andrew Parrott offered operational support to troops in Afghanistan during his time in the military.
He said the SNP group fully supported efforts made locally to respond to the humanitarian crisis.
Cllr Parrott said: “I believe the Scottish Government has made positive indications to welcome as many refugees as we possibly can and I understand Perth and Kinross Council stands ready to help.”
Following the meeting, Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart said: “The Syrian resettlement scheme fell far short of the numbers that Perth and Kinross was prepared to accommodate, and it is essential on this occasion that we fulfil our moral obligations to the Afghan people who require asylum and open our borders to them.
“The UK government’s commitment to domicile just a few thousand people over the next few years is not nearly good enough.
“To this end the SNP has called on the UK government to take a four nations approach and to work together.
“Community spirit has always been a mainstay of our localities and the humanitarian outlook of our third sector has frequently gone over and above to ensure that those coming to live here are furnished and housed, helped and welcomed.”