Join us in Calling on the UK government to Set Up a Gaza Family Scheme
We've done this before — and we can do it again. When war broke out in Ukraine, it was people like you — working alongside charities like ours — who helped turn public outrage into political action.
Together, we pushed the British government to open safe routes, waive visa requirements, and create the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Our charity alone helped over 500 Ukrainian families settle here.
Now, the door is slightly ajar again — and we must push hard to open it fully for families in Gaza.
On Monday 30 June 2025, dozens of MPs called on Sir Keir Starmer to "urgently" establish a Ukraine-style visa to allow Gazans with family in the UK to come here.
We know the desperate need for families to be reunited through the experiences of Palestinian families and individuals who we are currently working with, and who have family members in Gaza right now. It is frankly heart-breaking that, despite the dedication and resources across our staff, volunteers and networks, we are unable to help as we did with refugees from Ukraine — not because the need is any less urgent, but because the political will is not there.
67 MPs from across Parliament — including former ministers, Labour MPs, independents, Greens, Lib Dems, SNP members and members of the House of Lords — signed a letter calling for a Gaza Family Scheme, a safe route for Palestinians trapped in Gaza to reunite with relatives in the UK, "until it is safe to return".
"Just as the UK opened its doors to those fleeing persecution in Ukraine and Hong Kong, we believe the same generosity should be extended to Palestinian families," the letter says.
The letter expresses "grave concern at the immense suffering inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza," and accuses Israel of "shattering the temporary ceasefire", weaponising starvation, and escalating attacks on civilians and aid seekers.
It notes that Palestinians trying to reach the UK face impossible barriers — including the destruction of Gaza's visa application centre and the blockade of Rafah. Some have fled to Egypt but remain in limbo, without access to schools, healthcare, or a clear path to safety.
Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, who helped organise the letter, said:
"The Ukrainian Family Scheme was the right response to a brutal war. Establishing a Gaza Family Visa Scheme would extend those same principles. It is time for the government to act now to help British Palestinians bring their loved ones to safety."
Here's what the UK government can and must do:
Create a Gaza Family Scheme — a dedicated humanitarian visa route for Palestinians with family in the UK, as was done for Ukrainians and Hongkongers.
Waive the biometric requirement — as biometric appointments are impossible in a war zone under siege, this barrier must be removed immediately, otherwise it is effectively a death sentence.
Work with the Palestinian Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross to organise mercy flights — the UK must press Israel and Egypt to grant safe humanitarian access, so children, the elderly, and those in urgent medical need can be evacuated from Gaza and brought to safety.
Here's how you can help right now:
Write to your MP using this campaign text or your own words: Write to Them
Share this message on social media using #GazaFamilyScheme
Share this email with your family, friends and colleagues - the more the better.
Support our emergency relief work here
Send us a message of support by replying to this email.
We are not powerless. We've changed government policy before. With your voice, your action, and your compassion, we can do it again — for families in Gaza who have waited long enough for protection and justice.
Yours sincerely,
Robina Qureshi
Positive Action in Housing
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