Jim Murphy and Yvette Cooper response to today’s cross-party letter signed by 55 Peers calling on David Cameron to sign up to the UNHCR’s refugee programme

Jim Murphy MP, Labour’s Shadow International Development Secretary, said:

“There is now a growing cross-party consensus that the UK must sign up to the UN’s scheme and give refuge to a small number of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees.

“The UK has given generously to the UN humanitarian appeal for Syria, but we can also join all those other countries in helping the most desperate as the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War unfolds on Europe’s doorstep. Even if the Prime Minister does not subscribe to the overwhelming moral case, he must surely see that his refusal to sign up to the UN scheme risks not only damaging Britain’s long-standing reputation for helping those in need, but providing a precedent for other states to refuse to help. That would be a real setback.

“The Government should now see sense and offer sanctuary to some of the most vulnerable victims of this crisis.”

Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary said:

“Turning our back on the most vulnerable Syrian refugees and the UN when they ask for this assistance is unacceptable.

“The Prime Minister and Home Secretary need to see sense and back the overwhelming opinion across both Houses and sign up to the limited UN assistance programme for those most at risk.

“It should not have to come to a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday for the Prime Minister to see sense. He should change his mind now.”