Today the Government formally opened the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. During today's announcement in the House of Commons Fiona asked the following question, 

"The Government have rightly included minority groups, including those at risk due to their religious beliefs, in the eligibility criteria for the ACRS. Will the Minister reassure me that the ACRS is now open to those vulnerable religious minorities and that that could be combined with community sponsorship?"

Responding to Fiona's question, Victoria Atkins MP, Minister for Afghan Resettlement said, 

"Very much so. I am told that some people who fall into the criteria described by my hon. Friend have already been evacuated to the United Kingdom. I know that she has been a real advocate for the community sponsorship policy. Indeed, I am proud to say that one of my local churches is making efforts to participate in that. I look forward to seeing that in my constituency."