Stirling’s MP said the government should offer refuge to more than 20,000 Afghans fleeing the Taliban.
The growing humanitarian crisis following the Taliban’s rise to power has led to questions over the future of refugees pouring out of the country.
Under fresh plans announced this week, the UK Government has agreed to take on the number as part of a resettlement scheme emerging from the conflict.
But Alyn Smith MP reckons more could be done.
He said: “This is a deeply harrowing situation, and not one that was entirely unforeseen.
“The UK shoulders serious responsibility out of this as the situation in Afghanistan comes directly as a result of UK foreign policy.
“What the government is proposing is to take 5,000 Afghan refugees over the next year, with 20,000 granted asylum over the next five years.
“This is an emergency situation for many thousands of people who have worked with UK forces and our allies for the past twenty years – their safety is compromised now and they deserve protection from the UK.
“We in the SNP have called for a minimum of 35,000 refugees to be granted asylum in the UK, and for this to be done much more quickly as a matter of emergency.”
Mr Smith’s comments come as the first three Afghan families who supported British troops begin their new lives in Stirling, with council teams working alongside a local charity to help smooth their transition to their surroundings.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “The council works closely with Forth Valley Welcome to provide a comprehensive package of support to resettled families to help them adapt and integrate to their new life in Stirling.
“Along with housing, this includes English language programmes, employability, income maximisation and money advice, support for children and young people in schools, befriending and day-to-day support to navigate life in a new country.”
