Plans to take in refugees under way

Cabinet members and officers are involved in regional meetings to ensure that the area is prepared when the refugees begin to arrive.

Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council Coun Jean Calvert said: “At this stage we are planning for a number of circumstances. We do not know whether we will receive families, adults, children or even how many.

“But we have answered this need in the past, and we are committed to doing so again. We are expecting to hear more from government over the course of the next few days.

“I am pleased that so many local people and charities have offered help, and while we would not say do not donate, we cannot be specific at the moment about the kind of help we will need. I would like to express my thanks to the voluntary sector for their work so far.

“It is heartening to see that so many local groups have organised collections – we are working with the voluntary and community groups to ensure that what they have collected can be used to best effect.”

Councils across Yorkshire have stepped up to take in refugees, and discussions are now taking place on a regional basis.

In his statement to the House of Commons on Monday, the Prime Minister David Camerson announced that Britain should resettle up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the rest of the Parliament.

Discussions on funding and support for councils who take in refugees are still taking place.

Coun Calvert added: “Among the refugees there are heart-breaking stories of real tragedy.

“We have a strong track record of helping and supporting those of us who have come to us in desperate need, and I am confident that Kirklees residents will again play their part to ensure this strong tradition continues.