Over the last few months I have received a huge number of e-mails regarding the Syrian refugee crisis and the involvement which the UK has in the international efforts to relocate these refugees.

Since the crisis began, the UK has granted asylum or other forms of leave to over 5,000 Syrian nationals and their dependents. We are also one of the only major countries in the world to deliver on our commitment to spend 0.7% of our GNI on aid, totalling over £900 million in support. This means that we are already the second largest bilateral donor of aid in the world in response to the Syrian conflict, with only the USA giving more. 

Many constituents have written to me about the relocation of children and the reuniting of refugee families, and take issue with the fact that the UK is not taking part in the EU’s relocation scheme. By taking refugees directly from camps in the region we can ensure we are helping the most vulnerable, dissuade others from making this dangerous journey and crack down on the cruel criminal gangs of people smugglers. In this way we can be sure we offer protection to those who need it and return the economic migrants who do not. 

Instead, the Government’s refugee family reunion policy allows immediate family members of a person in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection status - that is a spouse or partner and children, who formed part of the family unit before the sponsor fled their country of origin - to reunite with them in the UK. I am very glad that such a scheme exists, which makes sure that family members that have been divided can once again be reunited. 

The Government is already giving £10 million to help vulnerable refugee minors who are in Europe. Additionally, under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, the UK will accommodate 20,000 Syrian refugees. Over 1,000 Syrian refugees have already been resettled, half of which are children. 

Before Christmas I wrote to the Leaders of Broxtowe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, urging them to start work on finding homes and offering my full support if there are any problems. I have also spoken with the new Minister for Syrian refugees, Richard Harrington; I believe there is a real desire locally to accommodate Syrian refugees and am confident that Notts County and Broxtowe Borough will do all they can to help refugees and particularly children. 

There are no easy or quick solutions to this terrible humanitarian crisis. What is needed is an international response involving the EU and the UN. 

In the meantime please be assured that the Government will continue to do all we can.