Afghan resettlement scheme

Sem Moema AM proposed, and Dr Onkar Sahota AM seconded, the following altered motion:

“This Assembly notes the tragic situation unfolding in Afghanistan and welcomes the Government’s commitment to resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees. This Assembly believes that the leaders in the UK must do all they can to support the Afghan people during this terrible time. London has a proud history of providing refuge to those seeking sanctuary and it stands again to help those in need.

This Assembly welcomes the Mayor’s recent letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and his call for the Government to provide London boroughs with the emergency financial support and resources for local authorities, to plan effectively and resettle Afghan families and to help them to establish a long-term future in our open and welcoming city.

This Assembly also welcomes the Government’s recent announcement of a £5 million fund available to councils, to provide housing and support to Afghan families, as well as additional healthcare provision put in place for those arriving from Afghanistan. Whilst noting and welcoming that a third of local councils have already offered support for Afghan families, this Assembly urges additional councils to consider offering support if they are in a position to do so.

This Assembly calls on the Chair of the Assembly to write urgently to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to show cross-party support for and to reiterate the Mayor’s calls to provide London’s local authorities with the emergency funds and resources required to house as many Afghan refugees as possible.”

Following debate, and upon being put to a vote, the motion as altered, was agreed unanimously.