6 Parties Back Refugee Motion

A motion on the humanitarian crisis - being debated all day today at Westminster - has been backed by 6 opposition leaders.

The move by the SNP calls for a greater international effort, and for the UK government to outline how they'll take in more refugees. Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens have pledged their support, as well as the Irish SDLP, Welsh Plaid Cymru and an independent Unionist MP.

Meanwhile, the head of the European Commission says the continent needs to accept another 120-thousand refugees.

SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson MP said: "It is great to have a cross-party effort for increasing support for refugees who are in such a position of total extremity. The message to the Prime Minister and his government colleagues is clear, the UK must do more to support those affected by this horrendous crisis.
 
"The motion and debate will hopefully persuade the UK government to go beyond the announcements already made, including increasing the number of refugees that the UK is willing to accept.
 
"The SNP have committed to a full-day debate on the issue and have agreed with the other parties to the wording of this motion. The debate will by led by myself and closed by SNP International Affairs spokesperson Alex Salmond. 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."