North East Lincolnshire is to provide support for Afghan staff and their families who have worked closely with British Armed Forces in Afghanistan.
The Council confirmed that the Government had contacted local authorities across the UK seeking support with the resettlement of a small number of those who supported our Armed Forces.
In North East Lincolnshire, four families will be resettled into temporary accommodation and offered support to start a new life.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, was joined by leaders from across the local political spectrum in offering support for the Government’s plan to resettle those Afghan nationals who had worked closely with the British military.
Cllr Jackson said ‘it is right’ that North East Lincolnshire is repaying those who had helped to support our Armed Forces.
The Council Leader said: “I know that these people took a tremendous risk when they supported our soldiers in Afghanistan, and it is right that we should follow the rest of the UK in repaying that support.
“These families have lost their homes and livelihoods as the Taliban has retaken the country.
“Council officers are now working with the Government to facilitate this resettlement, and welcome any offers of donations for things like items of clothing.”
Councillor Matthew Patrick, leader of Labour Group in the area, said: “I fully support this course of action. These are people who have put their lives on the line to work with our forces, keeping them safe.
“We are fully supportive of efforts to resettle them.”
The leader of North East Lincolnshire’s Liberal Democrat party, Councillor Steve Beasant, agreed:
“These families will be tired, scared and confused. We in North East Lincolnshire can offer them support as they start their new lives in a strange country.
“I’m really pleased that the Council has agreed to support those that have shown the same kindness to our troops.”
The families will be offered some temporary accommodation and support with things like finding employment, school places for children and English language skills for women and children.
To donate items of clothing, contact www.gov.uk/help-refugees.
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