Two hotels Commissioned in Manchester to house Afghans on their way to the United Kingdom

Speaking in a weekly news conference, Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said Manchester would not turn its back on refugees from Afghanistan and that Afghan refugee flights are already on their way to the UK.

Sky News correspondent Inzamam Rashid understands two hotels at Manchester Airport have been commissioned to house Afghan refugees when they arrive in the UK.

Other councils across the country have been preparing for an influx of refugees.

A source from Lancashire County Council told Sky News they are “coordinating relocating some refugees from Afghanistan”.

It’s still unsure exactly when they are expected to arrive or how many will land there, but Sir Richard Leese suggested Manchester is ready to take an influx of Afghans seeking asylum today.