The refugee crisis across Europe seems to be growing and continuous – and shameful that we seem to be doing so little to help here. So last week I signed the petition to Parliament: “accept more asylum seekers and increase support for refugee migrants in the UK”. This has escalated – 250,000 had signed when I did and now it’s over 400,000. And I am disapppointed that Cameron’s statement today was only about taking 20,000 refugees into the UK over 5 years.

I’ve been heartened by the number of emails over the weekend from local people urging me (and the Council) to do more. I raised this in a Leaders’ meeting with the Chief Executive today. It took a bit of pushing but I’m expecting the Council to start to get its act together. Key issues will be the need to prepare long-term for the refugees who come to live here – housing, schools, English language classes. Really important to work closely with local community groups and local people whose continuing support will be important.

I visited the collection of clothes and household good that some good women are organising in Hebden Bridge Town Hall – to take to people at Calais.

And I’m planning on going to St Augustine’s Centre on Wednesday to understand better what they provide. I was impressed by a presentation they did recently. I’ve been there before but it’ll be good to go back under the present circumstances.