House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA

Dear [insert the name of your MP],

I am writing to inform you of my concern about the situation that is continuing to unfold throughout Europe and the Middle East, and express my support for increased action from the UK. The recent images in the media have highlighted to me the plight of the vast number of individuals seeking to escape from the terrible conflicts in the Middle East.

I welcome the recent commitment made by the Prime Minister accepting the UK’s “moral responsibility” and stating that the UK would act with its “head and heart” in resettling thousands more Syrian refugees from UN Camps bordering Syria in addition to the 5,200 Syrians already given asylum.

It is vital the that UK maintains its position as a leader and champion of humanitarian response. We welcome the good work that the UK has undertaken to date in the region, being the second biggest bilateral donor to the Syrian response.

However, the situation in Syria and surrounding host countries has continued to worsen, and the number of individuals seeking safety and security outside the region has continued to rise. This crisis is spreading globally and the response cannot and should not be confined just to the Middle East. It is therefore vital that greater action is taken to respond to the needs of those suffering.

I would therefore like to encourage you as my MP to ensure that the UK Government is proactive in:

-Being compassionate and ambitious in resettling a fair share of refugees above and beyond the reported 4000 refugees from UN Camps in the Middle East to bring us into line with our European counterparts. Resettlement should prioritise those who are the most vulnerable and take into account the needs of minority groups.

-Ensuring that the resettlement of these refugees is undertaken quickly and respectfully preserving dignity.

-Engaging with Host Governments in Lebanon and Jordan to improve the medical, educational and housing services that are available to refugees, along with the easing of restrictions on working rights to enable legal job creation for refugees.

-Working with international Governments to prioritise the desperate need for a political resolution to the conflict in Syria.

-Calling other European countries to match the UK’s spending of 0.7% of Gross National Product on Official Development Assistance (ODA) and contributions to the Syrian Humanitarian Response.

Yours sincerely,

[your signature]