British people are already offering their homes to Afghan refugees

A Wakefield pensioner has offered up his spare room, prompting others to do the same.

The government announced on Monday that it will take in 25,000 Afghan's as part of the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme, with 5,000 expected in the first year. Women and girls will be prioritised, due to it being particularly dangerous for them under the Taliban's rule, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. But some big-hearted Brits are hoping to make the process easier, offering up their houses for as many refugees as they can take. https://twitter.com/sammythedog1989/status/1427985994213699591 Socialist Neil Flek Waugh may well have been the originator of the humble offering, with his tweet on Wednesday gaining 45k likes and 3k retweets.   "I am a 76 years old pensioner, I live on my own in a 2 bedroom bungalow," he writes on Twitter. "I have today informed Wakefield Council I am willing and able to give 2 refugees accommodation in my spare room." The response to his post has been largely positive, with one person writing: "Well, that's me just smashed the "follow" button instantly. Absolutely tremendous stuff, comrade!" https://twitter.com/miss_magpie_spy/status/1428264881770442752 But Neil's gesture has also sparked others to do the same and contribute in any way they can. "We’ve likewise offered a room- to a young person seeking asylum- and will be matched with someone by the local authority. Good luck & well done," writes Liz Wood in reply to Neil. "Inspiring. We'll do the same in York. We are in our 70s too," said another. https://twitter.com/ianwalker/status/1428265938319773702 "This is so inspiring and heartwarming. I’ve been looking into this as we have a spare room in my family home and we’d like to help. I hope it all goes well and the council expedite this process for you! #refugeeswelcome."

Related links:

• At least five dead amid Kabul airport chaos as Taliban takes capital
• Taliban enter outskirts of Kabul in move to retake whole of Afghanistan
• Last remaining British troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan