MP Douglas Ross and MSP Richard Lochhead back Europe Must Act campaign to help refugees on Greece's Aegean Islands
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MORAY'S elected representatives have shown their support for a campaign to relocate refugees living in overcrowded camps in Greece.
Moray Must Act, which is a chapter of the grassroots movement Europe Must Act, got in contact with Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead and conservative MP Douglas Ross urging the resettlement of those in camps on the Aegean Islands and has received backing from both.
Some 30,200 people are currently housed in camps on the Greek islands, with capacity for fewer than 7000.
Mr Lochhead said Scotland is "not full up" and is ready to help those fleeing conflict.
He added: "First and foremost this is a humanitarian crisis, which requires a humanitarian response, and the UK must play its part. Scotland is ready to welcome those in need and to help offer sanctuary to refugees who need it – we are not full up.
“It is vital that we lead by example and the UK has a moral duty to play its part in taking in refugees and giving them a safe and, if required, permanent home.
“Scotland has, in the past, warmly welcomed refugees from Syria, and other parts of the world, who have been fleeing persecution and a number of Moray organisations and volunteers have worked hard in recent years to support those families who have settled in our local communities.
“The Scottish Government is committed to taking a welcoming approach to the resettlement of refugees and like so many others, including Moray Must Act, I urge the UK Government to do all it can safeguard, supporting and resettling refugees who are fleeing from danger.”
Douglas Ross MP has sent a letter to home secretary Priti Patel and foreign secretary Dominic Raab on the issue.
He said: "I was contacted by Moray Must Act who are trying to address the horrendous situation in the Aegean Islands, where 30,000 men, women and children are trapped whilst trying to flee their war torn countries, depriving these people of basic human rights.
“Following the contact I had with the local group I have now written to the home secretary and the foreign secretary asking what the UK Government can do to address this humanitarian disaster."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also penned a letter to home secretary Priti Patel, urging the the UK government to “lead the way” in the urgent de-congestion of refugee camps on the Aegean Islands.
She added: "We stand ready to play our part...and urge you to take a humane and welcoming approach to the resettlement of these refugees on the Aegean islands."
Across Scotland, 34 MSPs from four political parties have signed a Scottish parliament motion in support of the campaign, which was put forward by Highlands and Islands Green Party MSP John Finnie.
In a statement in March this year, Stefano Argenziano, Medecins Sans Frontieres operations co-ordinator for Greece said: "EU member states must address the real emergency: evacuate people from the islands to EU countries, deliver an asylum system that works, and stop trapping people in horrific conditions."
Everyone is welcome to help Moray Must Act. You can join their Facebook group HERE . (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1227532107589747/)
