First Syrian refugees arrive in UK as part of resettlement programme
The first Syrian refugees to take part in the Government's expanded resettlement programme have arrived in Britain, the Home Office confirmed.
The arrival of the group marks the first step to fulfilling David Cameron's promise to resettle 20,000 Syrians over the next four-and-a-half years by expanding the vulnerable persons resettlement scheme.
It comes as the European Union voted to back a plan to relocate 120,000 refugees in the continent through a quota scheme which Britain will not take part in.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are working closely with the with UNHCR and local authorities to make sure we are ready to welcome more Syrians who desperately need our assistance.
"Today a number of people have arrived in the UK as part of the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement (VPR) scheme. As the Prime Minister announced earlier this month, we will resettle 20,000 Syrians over the course of this Parliament through this scheme."
