News / MSP: Shetland wants to help refugees
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has called on the government to allow local households to come to the aid of Syrian refugees, after receiving many messages from his constituents wanting to help.
After TV images were broadcast on Wednesday of Syrian families in distress, including a young boy drowned on a Turkish beach, there has been a national outcry.
Scott welcomed Friday’s “crisis summit” convened by Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon bringing together humanitarian agencies, local authorities and political party leaders.
“No one can ignore the scenes on our television screens, social media and the newspapers from a Turkish beach of a drowned young Syrian boy,” Scott said.
“Any parent, any individual has been affected by this terrible scene. Nor can anyone fail to recognise the bravery of German chancellor Merkel facing an anti-immigrant group and telling them that helping refugees is the right thing to do.
“I have had various messages from across Shetland. People want to help.
“Shetland has a strong, caring capacity for people in need. So too does Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“So the prime minister should show some backbone and take a lesson from the German chancellor rather than panicking about UKIP and their horrible anti-immigrant language.
“The UK should help Syrian refugees. Scotland can play its part as can Shetland.
“I want tomorrow’s meeting chaired by the first minister to produce a plan that allows us all to play a positive role in helping refugees from a war stricken part of the world with no end in sight.”
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