Blackburn MP Kate Hollern has backed calls for a scheme to take in refugees from Gaza to the UK, following on from the successful Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Labour’s Ms Hollern signed a letter addressed to the Home Secretary James Cleverly, which asks the government to implement a ‘Homes for Palestinians’ scheme on the model offered to Ukrainians.

It would allow British people to sponsor Palestinians to come to the UK, and would follow the same system used for Ukraine following its invasion by Russia.

People offered spare rooms and properties to take in people fleeing the war in Ukraine and allowing families and solitary refugees somewhere safe to live.

The letter was co-ordinated by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle and signed by a further 34 MPs and members of the House of Lords.

The letter says: “Building upon the precedent set by the UK’s implementation of Home for Ukraine, as well as visa schemes for Hong Kongers and those fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan, we ask the government to extend a similar framework of compassion and solidarity to Palestinian people affected by the conflict.

“We ask that Palestinians be enabled to reunify with their family members residing in the UK until it is safe to return to their homeland, through a free-of-cost visa route, with practical, deliverable means of utilisation, with a right to return.”

Ms Hollern had written on the subject back in November 2023, asking over the Government’s plans to support refugees from Gaza.
 
She said: “Given the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in Gaza, I am writing to enquire about the Government’s plans to support refugees fleeing the region.

"The Lancashire Council of Mosques (LCM), which is based in my constituency, wrote to members seeking views on its proposal to welcome orphaned Gazan children to Lancashire, where caring and loving families are willing to open their homes and hearts to them.

“I understand the LCM is currently engaging with relevant parties, after which the organisation intends to write to the Government with this proposal themselves. 

“I am heartened by the generosity of this offer, which is testament to the compassion and humanity of the Blackburn community.

"As such, I would be grateful if you could advise me as to the Government’s plans to support refugees from Gaza. 

“Specifically, I would like to know whether your Department intends to implement a scheme similar to that of the recent Homes for Ukraine.

"Tragically, the true scale of the devastation in Gaza is still unknown.”

In a reply on January 3, the Government confirmed it was not considering establishing a bespoke immigration route for Palestinians.

A response from Tom Pursglove, minister of state for legal migration and delivery, read: “It is important to note that in any humanitarian situation, the UK must consider its resettlement approach in the round, rather than on a crisis-by-crisis basis.

"We recognise there are many vulnerable individuals who remain in the region. 

“However, at present, we are not considering establishing a bespoke immigration route for Palestinians.

"In response to the situation in Gaza, the Government has been clear in its call for unimpeded humanitarian access, so that essential aid can reach civilian populations, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies.”