The situation facing the millions of people fleeing war and violence in the Middle East and North Africa is one that people across Europe want to see action taken on.
Stockport Labour Group supports the principle of the UK offering sanctuary to refugees and remembers our proud history of accepting people fleeing conflict and persecution, including accepting 1,200 residents of Guernsey in 1940. This is a tradition which we seek to protect and extend in the 21st Century.
Humanitarian assistance for those fleeing the impact of the Syrian Civil War is vital and it was in this spirit that Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper MP, wrote to the Leader of the Council last week asking whether Stockport would be willing to engage with a humanitarian scheme to resettle refugee families.
There is cross-party support for Stockport to play our part in accommodating and supporting the families caught up in this crisis and I warmly welcome the fact that the Council responded constructively to this invitation and is willing to do more to meet the challenge.
The existing asylum dispersal system has introduced significant pressures across Greater Manchester, with some Councils already housing over 1,000 refugees, so it is also important for all local authorities across the UK to contribute equally to this vital effort and for the Government to support Councils in resettling these families.
Cllr Alex Ganotis, Leader of Stockport Labour Group