The Government is facing calls to create a family visa scheme for Palestinian people affected by war. 

The petition on the UK Government website has received more than 16,500 signatures so far.

The lodger wrote: “We want the Government to take action and create a Visa scheme that allows Palestinian individuals affected by war, to be allowed into the UK. Just like we did for Ukraine.”

The Homes for Ukraine programme allowed individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to bring people escaping the war to safety – even if they have no ties to the UK.

Anyone with a room or home available was able to offer it to a Ukrainian individual or a family, though those offering will be vetted and Ukrainian applicants will undergo security checks.

The scheme is still live, as of winter 2023.

The Government responds to petitions that get more than 10,000 signatures - meaning there should be a response in due course.