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First group of Syrian refugees arrives in UK | First group of Syrian refugees arrives in UK |
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The first group of Syrian refugees has arrived in the UK under the government's scheme to take in some of the most vulnerable victims of the conflict. | The first group of Syrian refugees has arrived in the UK under the government's scheme to take in some of the most vulnerable victims of the conflict. |
Several hundred Syrian arrivals are expected to come to the UK over the next three years under the vulnerable persons relocation (VPR) scheme. | Several hundred Syrian arrivals are expected to come to the UK over the next three years under the vulnerable persons relocation (VPR) scheme. |
Home Office officials refused to confirm how many refugees had arrived in the UK but the first group is reportedly about 10 to 20 individuals. | Home Office officials refused to confirm how many refugees had arrived in the UK but the first group is reportedly about 10 to 20 individuals. |
Following pressure from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and some Tory backbenchers, the government dropped its previous opposition to admitting refugees directly from the region. | Following pressure from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and some Tory backbenchers, the government dropped its previous opposition to admitting refugees directly from the region. |
Immigration minister James Brokenshire said: "I am pleased to confirm that the first group of Syrians have now arrived in the UK. We believe this VPR scheme will make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable Syrians by giving them protection and support in the UK." | Immigration minister James Brokenshire said: "I am pleased to confirm that the first group of Syrians have now arrived in the UK. We believe this VPR scheme will make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable Syrians by giving them protection and support in the UK." |
The first arrivals come eight weeks after the home secretary announced details of the VPR scheme, which is operating in conjunction with the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR). | The first arrivals come eight weeks after the home secretary announced details of the VPR scheme, which is operating in conjunction with the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR). |
Syrian refugees admitted under the scheme will have all the rights and benefits that go with "humanitarian protection" status, including access to public funds, access to the labour market and possibility of family reunion. | Syrian refugees admitted under the scheme will have all the rights and benefits that go with "humanitarian protection" status, including access to public funds, access to the labour market and possibility of family reunion. |
A number of local authorities have already signed up to support the relocation scheme, the Home Office said. | A number of local authorities have already signed up to support the relocation scheme, the Home Office said. |
Since the beginning of the conflict, the UK has received about 3,800 Syrian asylum seekers. The next group of refugees are expected to arrive in April. The Refugee Council chief executive, Maurice Wren, said: "Today marks an extremely significant watershed in the UK's response to the humanitarian catastrophe gripping Syria and the surrounding region. | Since the beginning of the conflict, the UK has received about 3,800 Syrian asylum seekers. The next group of refugees are expected to arrive in April. The Refugee Council chief executive, Maurice Wren, said: "Today marks an extremely significant watershed in the UK's response to the humanitarian catastrophe gripping Syria and the surrounding region. |
"The arrival of the first refugees for resettlement will transform, if not save people's lives. | "The arrival of the first refugees for resettlement will transform, if not save people's lives. |
"The government has insisted from the outset that this programme will be needs- rather than number-based, so it's disappointing to hear that it will only support several hundred people over the next three years when the ongoing need is clearly colossal." | "The government has insisted from the outset that this programme will be needs- rather than number-based, so it's disappointing to hear that it will only support several hundred people over the next three years when the ongoing need is clearly colossal." |
More than 2.5 million refugees had fled the conflict, he said. |