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Economic Development

Birmingham on course to accept 50 Syrian refugees

Charity Refugee Action appointed as official partner of the city as it prepares to welcome group of Syrians fleeing the war

Birmingham is set to welcome 50 Syrian refugees in the coming weeks(Image: Pic: AP Photo/Santi Palacios)

A pledge by the fleeing the war in Syria is another step closer after a national charity was appointed to welcome the newcomers.

With the first group of new arrivals from Syria due later this month, charity Refugee Action will support and settle them into new homes and communities.

The newcomers have already established their refugee status at United Nations camps in Turkey and the Lebanon and their relocation and living costs for at least the first two years will be funded by the Home Office.

Refugee Action will help them get around, settle children at school, learn English and introduce them to their new community. The news comes ahead of a crucial vote in the House of Commons tomorrow on whether to commit air strikes in Syria.

Sir Albert Bore, on his last day as leader of Birmingham City Council, confirmed the contract with Refugee Action and called on communities to welcome the refugees.

"Refugee Action will offer invaluable expertise and knowledge as we make every effort to ensure the new arrivals begin their new lives as smoothly as possible in their new neighbourhoods," he said.

He added that the first arrivals would be here by the end of December with the remainder coming early in 2016.

"Birmingham has a rich and proud history of offering a warm welcome and support to new citizens from around the world," said Sir Albert.