Barnet councillors have voted in favour of resettling 50 Syrian refugees in the borough.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of a cross-party motion to resettle Syrian refugees which took place on Tuesday.
Last month Barnet Council leader Councillor Richard Cornelius agreed to the resettle the refugees after Finchley Progressive Synagogue's Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk lead a local Citizens UK campaign, but the motion was formally voted on this Tuesday.
The Council has committed to resettling at least 50 Syrian refugees in Barnet, “subject to compatibility with the Government’s scheme, and in a way which does not disadvantage existing residents.”
Mr Cornelius said: “I’m pleased that the cross-party motion to resettle 50 refugees in Barnet, as part of the wider Government scheme to resettle 20,000 by 2020, has been unanimously supported by all 63 Barnet Councillors.
“The people of Syria continue to face intolerable suffering and Barnet must play its part in offering sanctuary and refuge, building on our rich history of welcoming people to the Borough.
“With support from local community and faith groups, work is under way to identify suitable housing and support to resettle 50 refugees in a way which doesn’t disadvantage our existing residents.
“The council is working directly with the Home Office to finalise proposals so that we can welcome those in need as soon as possible.”
Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk from Citizens UK said: "Jewish, Catholic, Muslim groups and Middlesex Students Union have come together as Barnet Citizens to organise homes, doctors, schools and employers, and we're delighted by Barnet Council's commitment to help those in need. "
