Stone warns UK commitment to Afghans will fail without funding for local authorities

North MP Jamie Stone has said it is "absolutely crucial" that local authorities are given UK government support to accommodate refugees from Afghanistan.

Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for defence, warned that unless councils are properly funded the UK will fail in its commitment to those fleeing the Taliban takeover of their country.

After speaking in the House of Commons, the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross said: "It is absolutely crucial that councils across the whole of the UK are supported as we welcome refugees into our country.

"We cannot allow for our communities to crack during this time of increased pressure. It's simple – if councils are not properly funded by the UK government, the commitment to refugees will fail.

"This will worst of all affect the most vulnerable in society and ignite a fire for Afghan refugees who only recently escaped the frying pan.

"I can only speak for the Highlands, but I can confidently say that we want to provide asylum for those who need it.

"This is not the time to pass the blame between devolved nations. The UK must come together to put right the wrongs we, as one nation, have made."

Councillor Alasdair Christie, deputy leader of Highland Council and the Lib Dem councillor for Inverness Ness-side, said: "Highland Council is ready and willing to resettle refugees through the UK resettlement scheme.

"It is now crucial that local authorities are properly supported with funding from central government, so we can do right by those who have been forced to flee Afghanistan."

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