A Palestinian woman who fears for her life in Gaza has pleaded with Keir Starmer to help her take up a place at Edinburgh University. ‌

John Swinney has backed the 32-year-old’s calls for the Prime Minister to open an emergency visa route and said he is “appalled” students are being prevented from reaching safety in Scotland. ‌

Shaymaa, who is using only her first name due to safety concerns, is one of 10 Palestinians who have fully-funded courses in Scotland, out of 78 in total across the UK. ‌

But they’re stranded in Gaza and unable to leave due to visa processing problems, fearing for their lives every day and struggling to find basic shelter and food.

Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine and Edinburgh university have been lobbying the UK Government for months over the issue

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