Fife MSP: UK Must Take Share Of Refugees

The UK Government must accept its fair share of stricken immigrants - that is the call from a Fife MSP.

Mid Scotland and Fife representative Jayne Baxter has put her name to a petition calling on Westminster to increase support for refugees. It comes as thousands have drowned crossing the Mediterranean trying to escape fighting in the Middle East.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon's holding a cross-party summit today on the plight of refugees, with opposition leaders including Willie Rennie from the Lib Dems and Labour's Kezia Dugdale.

Jayne Baxter, the Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, says our country's problems are nothing compared to those who are risking life and limb to escape war:

Sandra White MSP, who has lodged a motion highlighting this new organisation at the Scottish Parliament, said:
 
"Nicola Sturgeon has today made clear that Scotland stands ready to do what we can to help refugees – and I am encouraged by this and by the formation of the Scotland Supporting Refugees organisation.
 
"People are fleeing their homelands with their children out of necessity and the UK needs to play its part – along with the rest of Europe – in helping them. David Cameron’s stance is completely out of touch with public opinion and I implore him to change his position."

Julie Hepburn, who is convening the steering group for Scotland Supporting Refugees, said:

"Who could fail to be moved by the plight of refugees, some who tragically don’t even survive their arduous journey, and the ‘fortunate’ ones who arrive to find barbed wire fences, chaos and squalor rather than the refuge they sought for themselves and their families. Like many people in Scotland, I felt compelled to do something. So a few volunteers have come together to form Scotland Supporting Refugees.

"The humanitarian response to this crisis has been woeful. Generous individuals seems to be making the most difference on the ground which is wonderful, but also begs the question of where the co-ordinated response is."