This Council has been deeply disturbed by pictures emerging from the Mediterranean of the on-going refugee crisis and its impact on human life. In response to these devastating events, this Council affirms its commitment to fulfil our moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular. To this end Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister in support of a comprehensive national response to this terrible situation, pledging Trafford's full and unyielding co-operation in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering inflicted by what many have described as the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council has been deeply disturbed by pictures emerging from the Mediterranean of the on-going refugee crisis and its impact on human life. In response to these devastating events, this Council affirms its commitment to fulfil our moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular. To this end Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister in support of a comprehensive national response to this terrible situation, pledging Trafford's full and unyielding co-operation in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering inflicted by what many have described as the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“The Council affirms its commitment to fulfil its moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular, and is deeply disturbed by recent images that have highlighted the urgent need for a co-ordinated and national response to support those most in need.

•       The Council recognises the emotional and humanitarian aspects of the present situation.  Its position is aligned to that of the UK Government and it will respond positively and swiftly to any request for assistance as part of a Government-led initiative. We support the Government in seeking a political solution to present turmoil in the Middle East.

•       The Council pledges to work with colleagues across Greater Manchester authorities and partners including the housing sector, social care, the NHS and transport should there be a Government-led resettlement process across the UK. 

•       In order to ensure a high level of care and support is provided, the Council wishes to see all areas of the country to play their part, recognising that there exists today a disproportionate concentration across the North West region that has placed extra demand on local resources, and that this is a view adopted widely across all Greater Manchester authorities.

•       Council supports Parliament in legislating to maintain aid spending at present levels and welcomes the commitment of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to use the foreign aid budget to assist local authorities that help with the crisis.

•       The Council is proud of Trafford’s communities that have a long history of supporting those most in need of our help and care.

To this end Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister in support of a comprehensive national response to this terrible situation, pledging Trafford's full and unyielding co-operation to a national co-ordinated response in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering so many are presently experiencing.”

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and carried unanimously. The Leader of the Council then spoke on the substantive Motion before it was agreed by the general consent of the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council affirms its commitment to fulfil its moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular, and is deeply disturbed by recent images that have highlighted the urgent need for a co-ordinated and national response to support those most in need.

•       The Council recognises the emotional and humanitarian aspects of the present situation.  Its position is aligned to that of the UK Government and it will respond positively and swiftly to any request for assistance as part of a Government-led initiative. We support the Government in seeking a political solution to present turmoil in the Middle East.

•       The Council pledges to work with colleagues across Greater Manchester authorities and partners including the housing sector, social care, the NHS and transport should there be a Government-led resettlement process across the UK. 

•       In order to ensure a high level of care and support is provided, the Council wishes to see all areas of the country to play their part, recognising that there exists today a disproportionate concentration across the North West region that has placed extra demand on local resources, and that this is a view adopted widely across all Greater Manchester authorities.

•       Council supports Parliament in legislating to maintain aid spending at present levels and welcomes the commitment of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to use the foreign aid budget to assist local authorities that help with the crisis.

•       The Council is proud of Trafford’s communities that have a long history of supporting those most in need of our help and care.

To this end Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister in support of a comprehensive national response to this terrible situation, pledging Trafford's full and unyielding co-operation to a national co-ordinated response in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering so many are presently experiencing.