London: Britain will take in "several hundred more" vulnerable Syrian refugees, a government source said today, after Prime Minister David Cameron said London was expanding a resettlement programme for the conflict-ravaged country.
Britain had previously agreed to take in up to 500 Syrian vulnerable refugees, including women and children, in a three year programme in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
However the opposition Labour Party had urged the government to take in more of the millions of refugees who have fled Syria during fighting between government forces and rebels, particularly those who have faced persecution and torture.
Cameron, speaking at a security conference in Slovakia today, announced he was "modestly" expanding the scheme to resettle refugees who could not be adequately protected in countries that neighbour Syria.
"Over the next two years of the scheme we would look to bring in a few hundred more than originally intended," said a government source.
The resettlement programme, which started last year, has only taken in 187 people so far. It was originally intended to accept up to 500 people over three years. That figure is now likely to rise to around 800 people.
Britain had previously agreed to take in up to 500 Syrian vulnerable refugees, including women and children, in a three year programme in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
However the opposition Labour Party had urged the government to take in more of the millions of refugees who have fled Syria during fighting between government forces and rebels, particularly those who have faced persecution and torture.
"Over the next two years of the scheme we would look to bring in a few hundred more than originally intended," said a government source.
Advertisement
© Thomson Reuters 2015
COMMENTS
Advertisement
UK's Honey Fraud Crises Explained: Beekeepers, Scientists Troubled "Took A Lot Of Guts": Woman Says She Quit Her UK Job To Return To India, Internet Reacts UK PM To Meet Cops Over Stabbing Attack As Protesters Chant "Save Our Kids" Rahul Gandhi's Seat At Red Fort Triggers Fresh Congress Attack On BJP 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing "Pivotal Moment": Key Doctor Body Resumes Strike 2 Days After Calling It Off Woman Shares Series Of Harassment Incidents On Delhi-NCR Streets 1 Arrested In Connection To "Friends" Actor Matthew Perry's Death: Report US State Arizona's Ballot Can Describe Fetuses As "Unborn" Humans: Court Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.