Labour to support SNP in refugee debate

The Labour party has said it will support the SNP’s motion during its opposition day debate on the refugee crisis.

The motion being debated on an SNP Opposition Day will call on the Government to increase its support for refugees who are fleeing conflict in Syria.

Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged the UK will take 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years from camps in the middle east, but opposition leaders have said this is not enough, criticising the fact there is no commitment to resettle those refugees already in Europe.

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The SNP motion will be backed by acting Labour leader Harriet Harman, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, SDLP leader Dr Alastair McDonell, Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Johnathan Edwards, Green MP Caroline Lucas and Independent Unionist MP Lady Sylvia Hermon.

Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the opposition would speak with “one voice” on the crisis.

“People across Scotland have been shocked by the pictures they have seen on their television screens and in newspapers over the course of the summer. But the truth is that the measures introduced by the Prime Minister will help none of the people who are already in Europe, including thousands of unaccompanied children,” he said.

SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson MP said: “David Cameron’s leadership on this has been inadequate and now six parties’ leaders are challenging him to show more leadership and work more constructively with our European partners.

“The Prime Minister must now show respect to parliament and the thousands of people affected by this crisis by coming to the chamber and taking part in this debate.”

The motion is being welcomed by the Scottish Refugee Council.

“These issues and solutions reflect the current public mood to help and do more to welcome refugees, not only in Scotland but throughout the UK so that the UK lives up to its proud history of humanitarianism,” said head of policy and communications Gary Christie.