Greater Manchester MPs join calls to let Palestinians seek refuge from Gaza in the UK

MPs in Greater Manchester have joined calls to let Palestinians seeking refuge from the war in Gaza into the UK. A petition proposing a Palestinian family visa scheme, similar to the one set up for Ukrainians, has been signed by thousands of people in the city-region.

It urges the government to allow Palestinians with family in the UK who are affected by the war with Israel to be reunited with their relatives. The petition, which has been signed by more than 100,000 people in total, was debated in Parliament on Monday (May 13).

Politicians from different parties have backed the proposal. But the government has said there are no plans for a 'bespoke' scheme.

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Labour MP Afzal Khan, who saw hundreds of his constituents in Manchester Gorton sign the petition, said a family visa scheme is 'vital' to show people trapped in Gaza compassion. Conservative MP Mark Logan, who represents Bolton North East, said the debate is 'incredibly important' and told Parliament that he would be happy to host a Palestinian refugee himself if such a programme existed.

Rochdale MP George Galloway also supported the suggestion, but described it as 'entirely hypothetical' as Israel has taken control of the Rafah border crossing to Egypt. "Millions of people in Britain want you to do something," the Workers Party MP told the minister.

"This you can do with the stroke of a pen, and it would not cost you anything in your popularity stakes with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv."

Labour MPs Yasmin Qureshi and Andrew Western, who represent Bolton South East and Stretford and Urmston respectively, also spoke in support of the scheme. Ms Qureshi said that it would 'not cost money' as it would be a 'copy and paste' of other schemes.

She also called for the government to allow Palestinian children to be brought to the UK for treatment in hospital. Tom Pursglove, who is the minister for legal migration and the border, said that any such applications would be treated with 'utmost seriousness'.

He said that the government is assisting British nationals and other eligible people to leave Gaza. However, he said there are 'unique circumstances' affecting those seeking to leave Gaza and the final decision on who can leave falls to Israeli and Egyptian authorities.

The Conservative MP also spoke of 'practical challenges' with security checks given that Hamas, which controls Gaza, is a terrorist organisation. He said the security relationship with the Ukrainian authorities is 'very different', making it easier to set up a visa scheme.

Mr Pursglove said that the people can apply for a visa and could have the fees waived on 'compassionate' grounds. However, he acknowledged that the UK's visa application centre in Gaza has been closed since the latest conflict started on October 7 last year.

"Ultimately, we need a long-term solution to this crisis," he said. "That means the release of all hostages, Hamas’s rule dismantled, their ability to attack Israel removed, a new Palestinian Government for the west bank and Gaza and a political horizon towards a two-state solution. Israelis and Palestinians should be able to live together, side by side, in peace and security.

"That is our ultimate goal, and we will continue working tirelessly to achieve it."