MP for Bath Wera Hobhouse has thanked residents for welcoming Afghan refugees with ‘open arms’ during a Westminster Hall debate.
The MP also criticised the Government’s response in dealing with the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the “inadequacies” of the current resettlement scheme.
Mrs Hobhouse spoke of how she had recently taken an Afghan refugee into her office.
Her staff member ‘fled Afghanistan in harrowing circumstances’ in 2021, with the MP praising them for being a ‘wonderful asset’.
Ms Hobhouse expressed her disappointment that even in this case, despite the staff member having worked for the British Council, the Parliamentary authorities were “unhelpful” in supporting the completion of their full employment access.
Speaking during the debate, the MP raised how the University of Bath has provided sanctuary scholarships to Afghan students.
The university has provided financial assistance to Afghan scholars and students who wish to further their academic and professional development in the UK.
She also expressed her gratitude to Bath Welcomes Refugees, Julian House, and constituents in Bath for their efforts in supporting Afghan refugees.
The debate centred around the Government’s current Afghanistan resettlement scheme.
Over the course of her speech, Mrs Hobhouse raised concerns about the lack of support the Government is providing to Afghanistan refugees.
Wera Hobhouse said: “It is unforgivable that the Government is not offering the support and help that many in Afghanistan need.
“Many are highly qualified professionals who simply wish to come here, find a job and make a positive contribution.
“For more than 17 months, British Council contractors have feared for their lives in Afghanistan, or Iran or Pakistan where they have fled to, waiting for their eligibility offers to relocate to the UK.
“The Government must restore the international development budget to provide much-needed help to Afghan people.
“The UK now has a duty to help those left behind, especially those who have risked their lives to help the UK. Washing our hands of what is happening now would be the most cynical abdication of our country’s duty.”
