Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which local authorities are currently in discussions with her Department on the vulnerable persons relocation scheme for Syrian nationals.

A number of local authorities have indicated that they would like to participate in the Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme, and discussions are ongoing with other local authorities who have expressed an interest. However, as the scheme is based on vulnerability, including women and children at risk, people with medical needs and survivors of torture and violence, it would not be appropriate for us to release details of where individuals are being placed, as this may undermine their privacy and recovery.

The first beneficiaries of the scheme arrived in the UK on 25 March. This is the result of excellent cooperation with UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration and local authority services, which has allowed us to identify vulnerable individuals in need of evacuation and ensure that the support they need is in place in the UK.