Greenwich Council has slammed the Government as 700 Afghan refugees currently in quarantine in the borough face uncertainty about where they will go next.

The south east London borough said the Government was "completely failing" refugees who have been through hell after receiving next to no information or help, and called the lack of leadership a "national scandal."

There are currently 500 adults and 200 children who arrived in the borough from Afghanistan at the end of August, but with their quarantine period now coming to an end, it is still not known where the refugees will go next.

The council, who have redeployed dozens of staff and volunteers and turned the town hall into an emergency aid centre for the refugees, say they are "extremely concerned for their welfare."

News Shopper: Thousands were evacuated from Afghanistan in August after the collapse of the Government - PAThousands were evacuated from Afghanistan in August after the collapse of the Government - PA

Deputy leader Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald said: "This has been a chaotic week and we are no closer to knowing where we go from here. The government has had a fortnight to come up with a plan and, sadly, they have not.

“Make no mistake, this is a national scandal. The lack of leadership we have seen is reprehensible.

“Having been through hell, the government continues to fail Afghan refugees. These are people who have experienced unimaginable trauma, sleepless nights, and fear for their family members back home.

“They now have the additional worry of not knowing where they will be sent next. The lack of basic leadership from the government is putting people’s lives at risk.”

A few bridging hotels have been identified and the council say they are working tirelessly to identify temporary accommodation, but that there is nowhere near enough to house everyone in need.

The council demand a plan from the Government to house and mange the 700 Afghan refugees in Greenwich, and the hundreds more across London.

Cllr Scott-McDonald, also the cabinet Member for Regeneration and Good Growth, has been volunteering round the clock to support the council’s efforts.

She said: "It’s incredibly difficult to understand why they are not doing more to help people: they urgently need step up and take responsibility, and give us the help we need to get this situation under control.”