Liverpool is preparing to welcome refugees from Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control of the country.
The city council is in discussions with government about supporting its plans for a refugee programme from Afghanistan.
Chaotic scenes saw people clinging to US planes leaving Kabul yesterday as people desperately tried to escape after the Taliban seized control of the capital city.
Read more: UK set to welcome Afghan refugees fleeing from the Taliban
The government has said it is now looking at a 'bespoke' refugee arrangement - focussing on those most in need, including women and girls.
Liverpool, which has a proud history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, has said it stands ready to help and the council is currently working to identify appropriate accommodation in the city.
The local authority is also clarifying the terms of funding arrangements with the Government.
Mayor Joanne Anderson said: “The images we are seeing from Afghanistan are truly heart-breaking. Women and men are living in fear of their lives.
“Along with the rest of the world, the UK must play its part in helping – and Liverpool stands ready to assist.”
Liverpool has previously helped support refugee resettlement programmes from countries including Syria, and continues to do so.
The Home Office said "it will be guided by the capacity of local authorities" when deciding how many Afghan refugees to allow to settle in the UK after the Taliban seized power.
Earlier today Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK is looking at a specific arrangement for Afghan refugees, with full details to be set out in due course.
Mr Raab told BBC Breakfast the UK had "always been a country that has provided safe haven for those fleeing persecution".
Parliament has been recalled and will debate the worsening situation in the country tomorrow.
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