We’ll offer refuge, say councils

OFFERS from across the UK have been made to house refugees.

The Government has announced we will take up to 20,000 people fleeing Afghanistan.

Newark and Sherwood Council chief executive John Robinson tweeted: “Privilege to welcome our first Afghan family to be resettled. Blown away by their resilience, optimism and gratitude in the face of such tragedy.”

Wrexham Council issued an urgent appeal for landlords to provide accommodation.

James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, said councils “stand ready to work with Government to design any new resettlement scheme”.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, told Radio 4’s Today programme: “We of course – as always – stand ready to help and to welcome people here who need our help, but it does need to be fair to places like Greater Manchester.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said almost 1,000 people were arriving each day. She added: “This is an enormous effort. We can’t do this on our own.”