SCOTTISH Borders Council is "preparing to welcome" Afghan refugees to the region.

The local authority says it is currently in talks with the UK Government and is ready to "do its bit" to help the national effort.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday that the UK will welcome 20,000 people who have fled the country following the Taliban's takeover.

And he promised to help resettle an additional 5,000 Afghans and their families who have helped the British effort there since 2001.

Shona Haslam, the leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The scenes of desperation we have seen in Kabul demonstrate why the Scottish Borders needs to do our bit to protect these vulnerable people and welcome them to our area.

“For many people, especially women and girls, living under the Taliban regime means putting their lives at risk by going to school or to work.

“I am proud that the Scottish Borders has rehomed 10 families from Syria and we are preparing to welcome our share of Afghan refugees too.

“I spoke with UK Government ministers this week in preparation for assisting with the evacuation from Afghanistan.

"The council and the Home Office have worked well together in the past to rehome these vulnerable people and we are ready to do so again.”

MP John Lamont, the Conservative member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, added: “The UK is a global leader in refugee resettlement. I am proud that the Borders and the wider UK remains a place of sanctuary for people fleeing brutal regimes.

“With funding from the UK Government, Scottish Borders Council has successfully welcomed refugees before, providing English language education and assistance with accommodation.

“We have a moral obligation to help those Afghans who have helped the British effort and those who are fleeing the hard line Taliban regime.

“Scottish Borders Council are already in dialogue with UK ministers and I am ready to help assist wherever necessary.”