Nicola Sturgeon has demanded the UK Government do more to help refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war.
The first minister told Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond yesterday that “immediate help” was needed to help avert the growing crisis in Europe, which has seen thousands of people arriving on the continent.
At the meeting in London – their first since the general election – Ms Sturgeon also restated her commitment that Scotland would take its “fair share” of refugees.
She said: “Scotland has a strong track record in welcoming those who have been forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution and we stand ready to help as many people as we can in the current crisis.
“While I welcome the UK Government’s commitment to take in more refugees and pledge more aid, it is clear from the distressing scenes we continue to witness in Europe that we need to extend immediate help to more people and look to assist those already here.”
The first minister, who was joined in London yesterday by International Development Minister Humza Yousaf, called on Mr Hammond to engage in current Europe-wide efforts to alleviate the crisis.
“We cannot ignore those in need on our doorstep and I believe the UK should opt-in to the extended EU-wide relocation scheme announced by the EU President recently,” she said.
“I was able to make that case to the foreign secretary today, and restate my commitment that Scotland will take in a fair share of those who arrive in the UK looking for refuge.
“Our preparations are well underway, with the humanitarian task force set up to take forward our practical response due to meet again this week.
“Humza Yousaf, the minister responsible for that task force, also met with the new UK minister for refugees today and was able to share the intelligence, experience and expertise already identified as we begin to work together to plan for arrivals.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney also travelled to Brussels yesterday where he outlined the Scottish Government’s “desire” to participate in EU-wide steps to tackle the crisis.
The meeting in Whitehall between the Ms Sturgeon and Mr Hammond also covered the EU referendum being proposed by the UK Government.