I AM in no doubt that George Osborne, MP for Tatton, and Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones are both horrified by the scale of the refugee crisis unfolding on Europe’s shore.

As chairman of the Tatton Liberal Democrats I have written to them to put across the immense strength of feeling of our local members that as a nation we are simply not doing enough to support these desperate people fleeing war, torture and persecution.

On a national level, We are pleased David Cameron has finally realised he is on the wrong side of public opinion.

We welcome the modest expansion of the Syrian Vulnerable Person scheme, but the latest proposals will do nothing for refugees already in Europe and those who will make the desperate journey in the coming months.

These victims of human traffickers who all too often pay the ultimate price will continue to receive no support from the United Kingdom.

It is clear that a crisis of this scale can’t be relieved by a single nation state.

The UK must reconsider its position to take part in EU talks and agree to shelter a proportionate share of these people fleeing conflict and persecution.

At a local level, We urge Cheshire East Council to step up to the plate and offer to house a significant number of refugees, particularly families and children who have been orphaned.

Cheshire East is one of the most prosperous regions of the UK, it is our moral duty to offer to help and I believe the majority of residents agree with this sentiment.

When it comes to funding, George Osborne has suggested that the Conservatives plan to divert part of the foreign aid budget to local authorities.

We should support our councils in taking in refugees, but this money should come from other budgets and not at the expense of the most vulnerable people in the world.

By siphoning off our foreign aid budget to local authorities, this government is simply showing itself to be short-sighted and penny-pinching at a time of international crisis.

Gareth Wilson Chairman Tatton Liberal Democrats