LONDON: The first group of critically ill Palestinian children accepted by Britain have arrived in the country for emergency lifesaving treatment, The Guardian reported. The patients and their families have been given access to free treatment through the National Health Service, the government said. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday informed the parliamentary Labour Party about the arrival. Over an initial two-year period, the patients and their families will also receive appropriate housing and support services.

The Foreign Office says the group of children will arrive in the UK "in the coming days".

It is understood the youngsters are currently being cared for by medics in a neighbouring country before being flown to the UK for specialist treatment.