A PETITION calling for government to create a Ukrainian-style visa scheme for Palestinians is nearing 100,000 signatures — the threshold needed for Parliament to consider a debate on the issue.

Today campaign group Gaza Families Reunited said its petition has been backed by 75 charities and law centres, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, cross-party Parliamentarians and more than 80,000 members of the public.

It urged more people to sign the petition to help it reach the 100,000 mark before it closes on April 18.