Scotland leads way in welcoming refugees as charity calls for scheme to be extended

The Government is being urged to extend a scheme aimed at helping vulnerable refugees to settle in the UK.

Citizens UK said the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) had helped more than 10,000 refugees, including people needing urgent medical treatment, survivors of violence, and women and children.

Research by the charity showed that Scotland has welcomed the most refugees through the scheme so far (2,224).

Yorkshire and the Humber has also welcomed a substantial number of refugees (1,450).

Citizens UK said it feared the scheme risks being scaled down or closed completely after 2020.

Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR’s representative in the UK, said: “The VPRS is past its half-way stage and working well. The refugees appreciate the genuine and warm welcome they have received here.

“We hope the Government will soon commit to resettling 10,000 of the most vulnerable refugees annually. Needs are greater than ever, among Syrians and those elsewhere.”

Rabbi Janet Darley, Citizens UK council member said: “We are proud that local authorities across the UK have successfully resettled vulnerable refugees through the Government’s VPRS scheme – it’s been a big success.”

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