Scotland 'Ready To Take' Refugees

The Scottish Government says Scotland 'stands ready' to accept its share of stricken Mediterranean migrants.

That's according to the Scottish Europe minister Humza Yousef. He is criticising Westminster's decision not to take part in a scheme to relocate 40,000 refugees. Thousands are stranded off the coasts of Italy and Greece following attemps to travel by boat from Libya, to escape fighting in the Middle East - nearly 2000 have died making the journey. He said:

"By refusing to take its fair share of vulnerable migrants the UK has turned its back on those in desperate need of help and failed to recognise the part it should play, as a full member state, in the EU’s collective responsibility to address this crisis. The Scottish Government wholeheartedly disagrees with the UK’s refusal to partake in the EU’s relocation scheme, and I once again urge the Prime Minister to reconsider his position on this vital issue. Doing so will save lives.

"Over the last few days I have met with representatives from both the UNHCR and the Refugee council and I remain convinced that Scotland and the UK, and all our friends and neighbours across the EU, have a moral obligation to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in danger. The Scottish Government has repeatedly made clear our desire to play a part in efforts to provide a place of safety to those in desperate need."

In the latest of a series of calls on this issue, Mr Yousaf urged UK Prime Minster David Cameron to reconsider this decision, as the UK has a 'moral obligation' to play its part.