More than 100,000 people have backed The Independent’s campaign calling for Britain to take its fair share of refugees fleeing war and persecution.
Politicians, celebrities and members of the public have supported a change.org petition to David Cameron, which comes amid outrage over an image of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, washed up dead on a Turkish beach.
Aylan’s brother, Galip, aged five, and mother, Rihan, also died when their small dinghy capsized on route to the Greek island of Kos. They had fled the Syrian city of Kobani, and dreamed of one day joining Aylan’s aunt Teema in Canada.
Their story has spurred people to action on the refugee crisis around the world, and plans are in motion to organise a march to Downing Street next weekend.
The Independent has taken the decision to publish the image, which some may find offensive, lower down in this article because among the often glib words about the "ongoing migrant crisis", it is all too easy to forget the reality of the desperate situation facing many refugees.
Aylan Kurdi, a young Syrian boy who drowned in his family’s attempt to reach Greece from Turkey, lies in the surf near Bodrum, Turkey
Thousands of people make the same crossing every day that Aylan’s family attempted on Wednesday. The UN’s refugee agency says that more than 300,000 have crossed the Mediterranean to escape conflict this year. Refugees Welcome: Supporters back The Independent's campaign
But while Germany has said it expects to take in between 800,000 and 1 million refugees this year, Britain has accepted just 216 Syrians as part of its official relocation programme.
Where we lead, others follow. David Cameron, we can & must do more. #refugeeswelcome https://t.co/VJ6rGD7FQc pic.twitter.com/VExt4prRUO
— Sadiq Khan MP (@SadiqKhan) September 3, 2015
So heartened by growing backlash against Govt's cruel & immoral position, as more & more people say #refugeeswelcome pic.twitter.com/oEYQ7VckyN
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) September 2, 2015
Please sign this. https://t.co/RPQVOQKXeb
— Lorraine Candy (@LorraineELLE) September 3, 2015
I just signed this petition in the UK to say #refugeeswelcome please sign it if you agree https://t.co/9FyZLERPkP https://t.co/XcdeEztq1s
— lily cole (@lilycole) September 3, 2015
David Cameron: Britain must accept its fair share of refugees seeking safety in Europe - Sign the P... https://t.co/Ls5NdDjJqy
— eline powell (@ElinePowell) September 3, 2015
We must do more to help refugees.Pls sign petition urging government to act. http://t.co/0YLnScIjIT #refugeeswelcome pic.twitter.com/RM4tXL9Llc
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) September 3, 2015
Mr Cameron's only response to the campaign so far has been to say he felt "deeply moved" by the pictures which emerged in Turkey of Aylan, and that Britain would "fulfil our moral responsibilities". He did not specify what that would entail.
Read more: Syrian boy's family had fled Kobani
If these images don’t change Europe’s attitude, what will?
Sign The Independent's petition to welcome refugees
