A SCOTTISH council has demanded that the UK goes “further and faster” to offer sanctuary to Afghans fleeing their strife-torn homeland, and make sure local authorities are equipped to help them.

With evidence mounting of a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power, SNP councillors in Glasgow have called for more resources from the UK Government to support the city’s resettlement work.

Their motion calls for cross-party support in the city to pressure the Government, as evidence grows of the Taliban extracting vengeance on opponents and rolling back two decades of democracy and human rights.

Glasgow has already received 70 Afghan refugees with several hundred more already in the city, but it is feared that some of those arriving – and those already here – may be traumatised by the turmoil and bloodshed in their home country.

Work is now under way in the city to identify suitable accommodation and support to facilitate additional asylum seekers.

The motion calls for the city’s 85 councillors to support work to make sure all avenues are explored “to further increase the numbers of Afghan refugees we are able to accommodate safely and securely in the city”.

It adds: “Council therefore calls on the UK Government to go further and faster in its response both in the provision of aid and in supporting the evacuation and safe resettlement of Afghan nationals, ensuring that further immediate resources are made available to support local authorities to significantly increase the numbers of Afghan refugees they are able to accommodate.

“Council instructs the chief executive to seek further resources from the UK Government to support Glasgow’s resettlement work.”

Councillor Jen Layden, city convener for equalities and human rights, said there was an urgent need for a humanitarian response, but warned that current funding levels would not be enough to deliver the care and support required.

“We’re aware of severe levels of trauma not just amongst those returning from Afghanistan, but those Afghans currently in the city with friends and family at risk back home,” she said.

“Clearly additional mental health support is required.

“And we can’t simply shove people into hotels and then ask then to fend for themselves. We’ve seen the impact this can have.

“Glasgow currently has around 300 Afghans either refused asylum or with active applications. Their status should either be reviewed or their applications fast-tracked so they have refugee status or humanitarian protection. At very least this would free up accommodation for us to take more.”

The motion also calls for the scrapping of the UK Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill, which criminalises asylum seekers arriving in the UK from another country.

Layden added: ““We can’t have a two-tier system of good refugees and bad refugees, with those accepted via resettlement programme correctly permitted to stay and take part in employment schemes yet those who come through asylum routes are criminalised.

“I’m not confident in the Home Office’s ability to support this work without commitment and close working with local authorities. And I have concerns that any rushed decisions by the Home Office on accommodation could result in another tragedy.

“As a city with a long track record in assisting refugees and asylum seekers, it’s crucial that the UK Government hears us speaking with one voice in our calls for support.

“A mass tragedy is unfolding in front of us. That’s why this motion is important.”