Priti Patel warns of 'serious security implications' following government's u-turn on Gazan student families

Manar al-Houbi, who has been offered a place to complete her PhD at the University of Glasgow, previously told BBC News it was "impossible" for her to leave her three young children and husband in Gaza.

Reacting to the news of the policy change, she said she was "deeply relieved", adding: “I am very grateful to the UK government for making this wise and fair decision.”

At least 75 Gazan students have arrived in the UK since the government began supporting evacuations for those with fully-funded scholarships last month.

Students who wish to bring dependents will have to demonstrate that they meet certain requirements, including proving they can cover living costs.

Family members wishing to come to the UK will have to apply for student dependant visas, and show evidence they have sufficient funds – up to £7,605 for those studying in London or £6,120 for those studying in other parts of the country.

Confirming that some students would now be able to bring dependents, a government spokesperson said: "Students coming from Gaza to the UK have suffered an appalling ordeal after two years of conflict. They have endured unimaginable hardship but can now begin to rebuild their lives through studying in our world-class universities,”

"That is why we are supporting the evacuation of dependants of students on scholarships who are eligible to study here under the immigration rules on a case-by-case basis."

Questioning the basis for the decision, Patel said: “This is a feeble government u-turn to keep its MPs happy," adding: “Labour’s foreign policy is dictated by their left wing backbenchers who are calling for more migration routes to come to Britain."

She added: “Taxpayers must not foot the bill for these entire households which are already benefitting from free university courses. The government must explain why this policy is in the interests of the British people.”