Sadiq Khan said London “stands ready to help" as he welcomed the Government’s commitment to resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have already been internally displaced as a result of conflict this year, with many more fearing reprisals as the Taliban assume complete control.

Boris Johnson has promised that up to 5,000 Afghans can find refuge in the UK this year, with up to 20,000 in the longer term.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The unfolding situation in Afghanistan is a tragedy and it is utterly heartbreaking to witness.

This Is Local London: A civilian charter flight arriving at a Midlands airport from Kabul on Wednesday (PA)A civilian charter flight arriving at a Midlands airport from Kabul on Wednesday (PA)

“We must do all we can to support the Afghan people during this terrible time and I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment this morning to resettle up to 20,000 Afghans.

“Our city has a proud history of providing refuge to those seeking sanctuary and we again stand ready to help.

“I urge Ministers to now step forward and give boroughs the financial support they need to resettle Afghan families and help them to establish a long-term future in our open and welcoming city.”

In a letter to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick MP, the Mayor asked for financial support to help boroughs provide accommodation, healthcare and education to refugees, as well as settle into their communities.

He also outlined the need to support the arrivals by giving them permanent leave to remain, with the right to work so they can establish a long-term future in the UK.

Lewisham Council has already expressed its willingness to rehome refugees, offering the borough as a "sanctuary."

Fears have been building for those who worked against the Taliban in Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul to the militants on Sunday, with increasing calls for ministers to step up to rescue those who wish to leave the country.

The Government said the new route was modelled on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, which resettled 20,000 Syrian refugees over a seven-year period from 2014 to 2021.

Lewisham welcomed 33 Syrian families under the scheme.

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