NEW figures have revealed there are only 15 refugees from Syria in Trafford, as the Government prepares to settle another 20,000 refugees – this time from Afghanistan.

Released by the House of Commons Library, the figures show 15 people resettled in Trafford after fleeing Syria via the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS).

This is less than 0.1% of around 20,000 people from Syria resettled nationwide since 2014.

A charity called Refugee Council praised the success of the VPRS, but said it is critical for the Government to support councils in welcoming refugees from Afghanistan.

Enver Solomon, chief executive at Refugee Council, said: "Councils need to be able to make plans with the assurance that all the resources required are provided by the Government.

"The Syrian scheme was a success because of long-term careful planning and collaboration with local areas and agencies, and it will be critical for the same to happen given the challenges councils are facing as a result of the pandemic and overall financial pressures."

Mr Solomon urged the Government to allow those with relatives already in the UK to join them, and to suspend the return of anyone refused asylum back to Afghanistan.

The Government has announced the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme will welcome 20,000 refugees trying to escape the Taliban - with up to 5,000 in the first year.

They will be given the chance to live in the UK permanently, with priority given to women and girls, as well as minorities most at risk of human rights abuses.

According to the Home Office, the scheme is modelled on the VPRS, which gave Syrians full rights to live and work, accommodation and other support to help them to integrate into their communities.

Tim Naor Hilton, chief executive of another charity called Refugee Action, said that the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme is a good first step, but that the 'horrific scenes' in Kabul show how fast the situation can change.

He urged the Government to double its target and welcome 10,000 Afghans in the first year, as a lot might otherwise attempt to reach safety using other means.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Our country has a proud history of offering sanctuary to those in need.

"We will not abandon people who have been forced to flee their homes and are now living in terror of what might come next."