London, Sep 17 (IANS): The first wave of Syrian refugees will arrive in Britain in the coming days, British Home Secretary Theresa May said on Wednesday.

In accordance with a new plan announced by Prime Minister David Cameron last week, Britain will receive up to 20,000 refugees over the next five years, Xinhua reported.

May, in a statement in the House of Commons, said the plans to welcome refugees were progressing at pace.

"In welcoming vulnerable refugees to Britain, it is imperative that we have in place the support and help they need and deserve," she said, without revealing details on the numbers and when people were expected to arrive.

"But I am pleased to tell the House that we are looking forward to welcoming the first wave of new arrivals in the coming days, and we are working at speed to plan for even more in the coming weeks," she added.

May reiterated that the British government didn't support the proposals of the relocation of 120,000 people already in Europe, neither to participate in a compulsory EU relocation scheme.