Moray councillors have called for the local authority’s bosses to take urgent action to assist the refugees making perilous journeys through the Mediterranean in search for European safety.
Elgin City North councillor Kirsty Reid has submitted an emergency motion in the hope that the migrant crisis will be considered at the next full council meeting on September 16.
Mrs Reid’s motion calls upon the council to “investigate urgently” the possibility of making some emergency accommodation available for refugees should it be required.
It also suggests the council could act as a central point for donations of essential items, such as sleeping bags and nappies.
She said: “As a mother, I find it absolutely heartbreaking to see dead children washed up on Mediterranean beaches, as their families desperately seek sanctuary from their war-torn homes. I know many people in Moray feel the same and are
looking for a way to provide support.
“While we have challenges to face here in Moray, what is happening to people elsewhere is at a whole different level and we should all be concerned and do all that we can to prevent these deaths and help support those who find themselves fleeing their homes.”
Mrs Reid has also asked for a letter to be penned to Prime Minister David Cameron expressing the council’s grave concerns and pressing for urgent action from the government.
Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Sean Morton backed Mrs Reid’s cry for help.
He said: “If this isn’t a matter for urgent debate I don’t know what is.
“I have not seen the text of the motion – but anything that demonstrates Moray’s eagerness to help has my support.”
Last night, council leader Stewart Cree added: “I would support loudly any motion that would assist these people, however, we have to work within the UK Government’s parameters of immigration. Hopefully, in two weeks time, we will get officers’ advice and what the practical things we can do to help are.”