British residents fleeing the warfare in Israel and Gaza will probably be given simpler entry to advantages as soon as they arrive within the UK, ministers have introduced.
People fleeing the warfare and within the wider area of Lebanon and the West Bank will probably be exempt from residency exams and can be capable of declare common credit score, in addition to incapacity and youngster advantages, “without delay”.
They may also be capable of entry social housing and housing help if wanted.
The authorities mentioned it will additionally be sure that cash paid beneath the victims of abroad terrorism compensation scheme wouldn’t be counted when figuring out entitlement to income-related advantages.
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The announcement comes because the UK ramps up its humanitarian help to Gaza, with Rishi Sunak saying earlier this week that the federal government would offer an extra £20m in funds – on prime of an current £10m – taking the entire bundle this 12 months to £57m.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride mentioned: “We’ve been working rapidly to make sure British nationals arriving from Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon can obtain the assist and safety they want throughout a time of unspeakable turmoil.
“As the UK continues to step up its response to the fast-moving circumstances in the region, the regulations which come into force today will speed up access to benefits, ensuring those eligible can access the help they need.”
The authorities mentioned that the place arrivals do not need quick lodging out there, native authorities could present emergency in a single day lodging earlier than supporting individuals into safer lodging.
Those who meet the exemption will probably be supported extra rapidly but it surely won’t impression who native housing authorities ought to prioritise for social housing, the federal government mentioned.
At least 12 British nationals had been killed within the assault by Hamas on 7 October, which noticed 1,400 Israelis killed.
An extra 5 UK nationals are lacking, Downing Street mentioned this week.
The prime minister mentioned UK Border Force groups are arrange in Egypt to “quickly” help British nationals to flee from Gaza.
Mr Sunak has been joined by the Labour Party in calling for a humanitarian pause to permit help to succeed in Palestinians and to create a “safer environment” for UK residents to depart Gaza.
In current days Israel has allowed help into the nation by means of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza after it beforehand restricted necessities equivalent to water, meals and gas to the world, which is house to 2.2 million civilians.
Speaking at an occasion in central London about synthetic intelligence on Thursday, Mr Sunak mentioned the federal government recognised that there wanted to be a “safer environment, which of course necessitates specific pauses, which are distinct from a ceasefire”.
“We’re very keen to be able to bring them out and bring them home,” he mentioned.
“What I can tell you is we’ve pre-positioned Border Force teams to Egypt.
“So that if our nationals can cross the Rafah crossing, we’re able to get them in and convey them again.
“It is not something we can do immediately but when the moment arises, we’ll be ready to take it quickly.”
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On the identical day, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden chaired a COBRA assembly through which he mentioned the scenario within the Middle East and the following steps in pushing for the discharge of hostages held by Hamas.
More than 200 from many alternative international locations stay captive inside Gaza.
Mr Dowden mentioned he was “heartbroken” on the mounting casualties in Gaza – the place the Hamas-run Gaza well being ministry claims 7,000 individuals have been killed by airstrikes – however that Israel couldn’t “eliminate” Hamas “without there being some civilian impact”.
“The way to stop further losses of innocent civilian lives is to remove the terrorist threat and to move to a position where we can restore stability and peace to this region,” he instructed Sky News.
Source: information.sky.com”