Bespoke resettlement scheme announced by Government

Bedford’s Conservative Councillors have welcomed the resettlement scheme for Afghan refugees, announced yesterday by the Government. The rapidly deteriorating picture in Afghanistan means that many Afghans who previously worked with the British Forces are at grave risk of reprisals and death from the murderous Taliban regime now in power. Women and girls in particular face an uncertain future and fear a return to a repressive, hard line regime that will deny them basic human rights, such as education.

The UK Government moved quickly to put a resettlement scheme in place and Bedford’s Conservative Councillor Group are calling on the Mayor and Council to act equally swiftly to ensure Bedford shares some of the responsibility.

Conservative Group Leader Cllr Graeme Coombes commented:

“The resettlement scheme announced by Government is good news for those seeking a legal and genuine route to permanent settlement in the UK. The images from Afghanistan on our TV screens are truly shocking and show the rapid decent of the country into the hands of the barbarous Taliban regime.     

All Councils need to share responsibility for resettling refugees, so it doesn’t just fall on a few. Bedford Council should play its part in welcoming refugees to this part of the UK and then settling and integrating them, helping them get employment and qualifications and to contribute to our Borough.

We must also not forget our friends in Hong Kong, many of whom are leaving because of the threats to democracy and the crackdown on human rights by the Chines Communist Government. Britain has a long and proud history in international affairs and it is our duty to do the right thing and help and support those who have helped us and those in genuine need and fear of their lives.”