Yvette Cooper MP, Chair of Labour’s Refugee Taskforce, commenting on the Bishops’ decision to release a private letter to David Cameron in frustration over the Government’s inaction on the refugee crisis, said:

“The bishops signing this letter are right - the British public stand ready to do more to help those fleeing conflict, violence and persecution. We know thousands of people have signed petitions, donated clothes, food and tents and even offered space in their own homes. As this letter makes clear, leaders of all faith groups are united in the call that we can - and must - do more. 

"The Government’s commitment to take just 4,000 refugees this year is not good enough. Over 3,000 people are arriving on the Greek island of Lesvos each day. If every city and county took 10 refugee families, that would help 10,000 refugees this year alone. 

"This is not asking a huge amount of our government. Simply to fulfil our duty in the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.”