Britain will not participate in 'quota' programme after government reaches compromise with UNHCR following weeks of resistance

UK agrees to take up to 500 of the most traumatised Syrian refugees

The government has struck a deal with the United Nations that will allow Britain to take in hundreds of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees without having to host a UN-imposed quota.

The compromise ends weeks of resistance by the government to becoming involved in the UN refugee programme and comes before a Labour-tabled debate in the Commons on Wednesday designed to put pressure on the government to do more to take refugees from the battle-torn country.

In an agreement with the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), the government has decided to provide refuge for some of those most traumatised by the crisis, such as vulnerable women and children.

Coalition sources said no more than about 500 refugees would be permitted entry, including family members, but their precise citizenship status, determining the right of other family members to come to the UK, had yet to be agreed.

The Home Office has persistently resisted taking UN-supplied refugees, arguing that the British government is fulfilling its duties by leading the effort to supply aid to refugees in camps on the Syrian borders with Jordan and Turkey.

The home secretary, Theresa May, has been concerned that British involvement in the UN refugee programme would become an open-ended commitment that risked undermining the Tories' commitment to reducing net migration to the UK to tens of thousands by 2015.

David Cameron moved subtly to change that target this week, telling the BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday that his government would get net migration down to "responsible levels" by the end of the parliament.

Cameron, representing in public the dominant view in the Home Office, has argued that it would let other countries off the hook over their failure to provide aid if the UK agreed to take a large number of refugees. The UK has already committed £600m in humanitarian aid.

The deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, said: "I am pleased to be able to announce that the UK will be providing refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. The coalition government wants to play our part in helping to alleviate the immense suffering in Syria.

"The £600m we have provided makes us the second largest bilateral donor of humanitarian aid in the world. But as the conflict continues to force millions of Syrians from their homes, we need to make sure we are doing everything we can.

"We are one of the most open-hearted countries in the world and I believe we have a moral responsibility to help.

"The UNHCR – which backs our new resettlement programme – has said the highest priority should go to women and girls who have experienced or are at risk of sexual violence; the elderly; and survivors of torture and individuals with disabilities, so that's who we'll target. Sadly, we cannot provide safety for everyone who needs it, but we can reach out to some of those who need it most.

"On top of that, we'll continue to support the peace talks currently taking place in Geneva, because only a political resolution between the Assad regime and the Syrian opposition will provide a permanent end to the suffering.

"Britain has a long and proud tradition of provided refuge at times of crisis. This coalition government will ensure it lives on."

The shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said on Tuesday that MPs from all parties backed UK financial support to Syria, but she argued it was wrong to say the government could not send aid and also resettle refugees.

A minority of refugees were "too vulnerable to come" to the UK to seek asylum, "or to survive, even, in the camps", she said. "That is why it's so important to provide that extra help – this is not an either/or." She in effect believes the coalition deal struck by Clegg is accepting the UN scheme without formally participating in it.

Roland Schilling, the UK representative of the UNHCR, said: "We welcome the announcement of the UK government to provide refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees, in co-operation with UNHCR.

"This decision will help to provide much needed solutions for vulnerable Syrian refugees, many of whom have been deeply traumatised and face immense hardship.

"It is also a concrete and important gesture of solidarity and burden sharing with the countries neighbouring Syria as they continue to bear the brunt of the refugee crisis.

"Today's decision is an encouraging and important step, reaffirming the UK's commitment and contribution to international relief efforts in support of more than 2.3 million Syrian refugees and the countries hosting them.

"UNHCR also recognises the UK's generous contribution towards massive humanitarian needs in the region.

"While awaiting the details of the government's plan, UNHCR looks forward to working closely with the Home Office on the implementation of the UK resettlement programme."

Maurice Wren, the Refugee Council chief executive, said: "This news, quite simply, will transform people's lives. It also sends an important message to the rest of the world: Britain has a proud tradition of protecting and welcoming refugees and we will continue to lead the way in offering refuge to people in their greatest hour of need.

"We commend the government for upholding this reputation by going the extra mile and offering protection to some of the most vulnerable refugees who will now have chance to rebuild their lives in safety. We hope other countries now follow the UK's lead by providing resettlement places to those who so desperately need it."