By Jennifer Hyland

Copyright dailyrecord

A Group of 16 Palestinian students previously trapped in Gaza have arrived in Scotland to go to university. They are among around 40 people from the war-torn region to have won places. The students have faced weeks of uncertainty waiting to be evacuated as the Home Office has been working at pace to negotiate a safe exit. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has now demanded the UK government provide safe passage to all remaining Gazan students, some of whom are due to take up PhD and Masters courses, in Scotland. Gilruth said: ““The Scottish Government has been working at pace with Scottish universities to support students from Gaza in accessing their studies in Scotland. “We welcome the fact that some have now been able to come to the UK to start their scholarships and warmly welcome all students who have chosen to take up their studies in Scotland. “However, it is not credible that the UK Government has only provided safe passage for some – not all students – who have qualified for a scholarship in Scotland. “The UK Government’s approach to immigration means that some students are now trapped in Gaza. “I have written to the Foreign Secretary seeking an urgent response. It is deeply regrettable that UK Ministers have, thus far, been unable to engage with the Scottish Government on these matters”. Scottish Labour MSP Pauline McNeill said: “Given the extraordinary hurdles Palestinians have had to overcome to leave the conflict zone and the various exit rules, it makes it all the more rewarding that Scotland is playing its part in helping these students make a better life.” Jamie Arrowsmith, the Director of Universities UK International said: “We would urge the government to ensure that all those that have secured a scholarship to study in the UK are able to take up their places. An FCDO Spokesperson said: “The government is working with universities to identify eligible students and to assist them to leave Gaza and take up their studies in the UK. “We have already evacuated a number of students and expect further cohorts to arrive in the coming weeks.”