Motion for new Palestinian visa scheme tabled in UK parliament

Independent MP Ayoub Khan has tabled a motion in parliament urging the British government to "urgently establish" a visa scheme for Palestinians with family ties in Britain.

The move comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday that the government would seek to prevent Palestinian refugees from living in the UK using a refugee scheme established for Ukranians.

"Recognising the humanitarian crisis continuing to be faced by many Palestinians," Khan's motion reads, "it is imperative that the UK underscores its commitment to humanitarian aid and support for those affected by conflict by facilitating their ability to reunite with families already residing in Britain."

Starmer insisted in parliament that the Home Office will shut a "legal loophole" that allowed a Palestinian refugee family from Gaza to stay in the UK.

This came after it emerged that a judge ruled six Palestinians from Gaza - a mother, a father and four children - could remain in Britain using the Ukraine Family Scheme, a visa programme originally established for Ukranian refugees fleeing the war following Russia's invasion. 

Read more: Motion for new Palestinian visa scheme tabled in UK parliament