Hilary Benn MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, commenting on the Syrian donor conference held in London today, said:

“Today’s conference is a chance to help all those families who have been forced to flee their homes by the bloody conflict in Syria.

“Neighbouring countries - particularly Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq - have done most to offer them shelter, but the shortfall in humanitarian aid is making life very difficult.

"People there are living in camps or a rented flat for three years with their food rations at risk of being cut, their children out of school and with no prospect of finding a job, their life is on hold.

"That’s why many refugees feel the only option is to take huge risks and travel to Europe.

“It is time for the world to dig deep and do more, following the UK’s lead. And we must redouble our efforts to bring the Syrian civil war to an end so that the millions of refugees can finally get the chance to go home.”