Decisive action needs to be taken by Kirklees Council to help victims of the refugee crisis, according to the leader of the authority’s Lib Dem group.

Cllr Nicola Turner is also calling for a formal council debate on the issue so officers have ‘a clear mandate from councillors to do all they can’ to help the people fleeing their homes.

In a letter to council leader David Sheard and chief executive Adrian Lythgo, she said: “We have seen far too many pictures of people in overwhelming need and it is time for Kirklees to take decisive action to help the Syrian (and other) refugees.

“David Cameron has agreed that this country will take some of these desperate people, however 20,000 over 5 years seems woefully inadequate to me.

“According to UN figures there are over four million registered refugees who have left Syria with many millions more displaced and still living in the country.

Clr Nicola Turner, Colne Valley Lib Dem
Clr Nicola Turner, Colne Valley Lib Dem

“Mr Cameron’s target of approx. 6 people per year per constituency is quite frankly an insult to the British people.

“A British people who have a proud tradition of helping others in need; who can forget individuals like Nicholas Winton who saved hundreds of Jewish children from certain death during World War 2, or in the 1980’s the outstanding generosity of the British people to help the starving in Ethiopia.

“And today we see people across Kirklees doing their bit to ease the suffering of the men, women and children affected by the devastation in Syria and in other places.”

She said the Lib Dem group will work with the council and ‘within our communities to provide a safe haven for these desperate individuals’.

The council has pledged to help ease the crisis and said it could house some of the refugees.

It is looking at practical ways of offering help but has been unable to say if this means taking in refugees or providing clothing and other items.

Cabinet member Cllr Erin Hill, responsible for family support and child protection, said the authority must work with national government, faith communities and aid agencies to respond to the humanitarian crisis.

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Meanwhile, donations to help those affected by the crisis are still pouring in from people across the region.

The Holmfirth Refugee Support Group has seen a flow of donations to the town’s Methodist Church, and its first collections will be heading to the Continent next week.

Clr Molly Walton and Clr Erin Hill - the oldest and youngest members of Kirklees Council
Clr Molly Walton and Clr Erin Hill - the oldest and youngest members of Kirklees Council

It is raising awareness in schools, and from next week will be taking donations at Hope Bank Works, New Mill Road, Honley, between 5pm and 7pm every Friday.

People wanting to donate can check a new Facebook page ‘Holmfirth Welcomes Refugees’ from this Friday or ring Ross Moore on 01484 687316.

The leader of a Muslim community has called for a global solution to the crisis.

Fatihul-haq, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Huddersfield South, said: “The sympathies of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are with all genuine asylum seekers and refugees.

“Genuine refugees are facing great difficulties. They have been forced to leave their countries due to the intolerable conditions and so should be treated with love, compassion and kindness.”