Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, has urged Europe to come up with a fair solution to the growing humanitarian crisis facing refugees fleeing Syria.
Mr Nicholson said:
"It is impossible not to be moved by images and footage of the immense suffering being experienced by refugees escaping unimaginable horrors.
"This is not about economic migrants. It is about refugees - men, woman and children who have faced suffering and now need our help.
"The United Kingdom has a proud record of providing help and refuge to those genuinely in need over the centuries.
"It is right that countries in the region such as Jordan are already taking in a lot of the refugees - but the European Union cannot simply turn a blind eye.
"This issue also needs to be tackled at source: Syria and the wider region needs stability and that cannot happen while both IS terrorists and Assad are committing barbaric atrocities.
"The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker will be addressing the European Parliament next week on the issue. Europe must commit itself to a plan of action that tackles people traffickers and shows compassion to those seeking refuge."
