Announcing the plans, the Deputy Prime Minister said:

> I am pleased to be able to announce today that the UK will be providing refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees.

> The coalition government wants to play our part in helping to alleviate the immense suffering in Syria.

> The £600 million we have provided makes us the second largest bilateral donor of humanitarian aid in the world.

> But as the conflict continues to force millions of Syrians from their homes, we need to make sure we are doing everything we can.

> We are one of the most open hearted countries in the world and I believe we have a moral responsibility to help.

> The UN High Commission for Refugees – which backs our new resettlement programme – has said the highest priority should go to women and girls who have experienced or are at risk of sexual violence; the elderly; survivors of torture and individuals with disabilities, so that’s who we’ll target.

> Sadly we cannot provide safety for everyone who needs it, but we can reach out to some of those who need it most.

> On top of that, we’ll continue to support the peace talks currently taking place in Geneva, because only a political resolution between the Assad regime and Syrian opposition will provide a permanent end to the suffering.

> Britain has a long and proud tradition of providing refuge at times of crisis. This coalition government will ensure it lives on.

The UK has already committed £600 million in humanitarian aid to help alleviate the immense suffering in Syria. See updates on UK aid in Syria.