McArthur Welcomes Summit And Orkney’s Support

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has welcomed the announcement by the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon that she is to host a summit today at which humanitarian agencies, party leaders, councils and others will meet to discuss the mounting refugee crisis.

Mr McArthur has been contacted by many people locally in Orkney, wishing to highlight their desire to whatever they can in response to the unfolding horrors, encapsulated by the image of Aylan Kurdi, a young Syrian Kurdish boy, found drowned on a Turkish beach.

Commenting Mr McArthur said: “The images on our television screens, social media and the newspapers over recent days have been truly horrific. Any parent, any individual cannot fail to have been affected by the unfolding tragedy.

“This is not an immigration issue. This is a humanitarian crisis, one that has prompted many constituents to get in touch with me to express their horror at the lack of a response so far at a UK level.

“I welcome the First Minister’s words this afternoon in parliament and her commitment to hold a humanitarian summit tomorrow. I hope that this gathering will provide a strong show of support for those who are suffering unimaginably due to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

“Hopefully, it can also identify practical ways for those in Orkney and across Scotland to make a difference in alleviating this suffering”.