In response the refugee crisis affecting Europe Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“The United Kingdom cannot sit by and watch the suffering and death of refugees fleeing violence.

“Local authorities across the country, including London, should respond by taking in refugees. We have a moral and humanitarian duty to do so and I am sure other councils share my views.

“Sutton Council is already doing preparatory work in the hope that the government changes its stance on the situation in Europe and increases the number of refugees accepted by the UK.

“Sutton stands ready to help.”