New UK visa scheme to be debated by MPs after Palestinian petition reaches 104,000 signatures

MPs are set to debate a new British visa scheme for Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza.

The discussion was called after an official petition demanding a route for displaced people to come to the UK received more than 100,000 signatures.

The petition stated: “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.”

Labour MP Cat Smith will open the three hour long Westminster Hall debate on Monday.

Almost 104,000 people signed the public petition calling for a Ukraine-style visa programme for Palestinians impacted by the Israel/Hamas war.

The ten parliamentary constituencies that most supported the appeal are all in London, with Bethnal Green and Bow seeing the highest number of signatories followed by Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

A Government spokesman said: "There are no plans to introduce bespoke arrangements for people arriving from the region.

“Those wishing to come to the UK who currently have no visa can apply under one of the existing visa routes.”

When Vladimir Putin launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the government set up two emergency visa schemes for refugees.

The first allowed Ukrainians to join family members in the UK. It closed in February.

But a separate Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open for those who are eligible.

This allows people in Britain to host Ukrainian refugees even if they do not have family ties here.

More than 200,000 people have come to Britain under the schemes since the war broke out.