THE European migration crisis dominating international headlines is a divisive issue, but shocking pictures of a drowned Syrian boy have led to united calls for action.

David Cameron is facing demands to allow more refugees into Britain after the pictures triggered a backlash across Europe.

The Prime Minister has insisted that taking in more people will not solve the crisis, and the focus should be on bringing "peace and stability" to war-ravaged areas they are fleeing. But Labour is urging him to gather EU leaders for a summit, and agree to a parliamentary debate on the issue.

A number of Conservatives have added their voices, with Mr Cameron warned he faces a "test of humanity" and must honour the British tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need.

Britain has exercised its opt-out from the EU's Schengen open borders system to avoid being included in proposals that could see 160,000 asylum seekers re-distributed from Hungary, Italy and Greece, allocating around 30,000 people to resettle.

A Government spokesman said the images from a Turkish beach of the three-year-old Syrian child - thought to have died alongside his elder brother and mother when a boat capsized en route to Greece - were "clearly shocking", but added that the UK was at the forefront of international efforts to help refugees in the region and was a major aid donor.

Tory Nadhim Zahawi said the image was a source of "shame". The Stratford-on-Avon MP, who came to the UK with his family aged nine after fleeing Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, wrote on Twitter: "We are nothing without compassion. Pic should make us all ashamed. We have failed in Syria. I am sorry little angel, RIP."

While Britain risks its reputation tarnished by the impact of the migration crisis, it's worth remembering that our country has a history of giving sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and protecting the persecuted.

Bradford has long played a significant role in welcoming newcomers from around the world, and in 2010 was the third city in the UK to be officially recognised as a City of Sanctuary. This status was renewed last year - but what exactly does it mean?

The City of Sanctuary team celebrates and highlights the contribution of asylum seekers and refugees, challenges myths and negative stereotypes and provides opportunities for those seeking sanctuary to participate in local community life. To date 168 organisations in Bradford have signed 'Resolutions of Support'.

This month the team is holding an event - Sanctuary in Bradford - Making it Happen - broadening the range of support for its work.

"With the ongoing tragic situation of vast waves of people fleeing their home countries in search of safety, this event is particularly timely," said Bradford City of Sanctuary chairman Will Sutcliffe. "The vast majority of those in the current refugee crisis are being hosted by impoverished neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon. A very small proportion of these manage the treacherous journey to Europe, and a tiny one to Britain.

"Very few would choose to make remain in Britain or elsewhere if it were safe to return home."

He added: "Britain has a long and proud history of welcoming those fleeing persecution, from French Huguenots in the 17th century to Jews in the 20th century. Much of our wealth has been built on the inventiveness and hard work of migrants."

Mr Sutcliffe said this month's event, aimed in part at ward councillors and representatives of faith communities, will highlight City of Sanctuary's work and "how it can be made more meaningful for the many asylum seekers and refugees who have found their way to this city".

Hosted by Bana Gora, chief executive of the Muslim Women's Council, and attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, the event will include an overview of key issues facing asylum seekers and refugees and the local and national impact of the migrant crisis.

There will be talks by Bradford Council leader Dave Green and Lorna Gledhill from Regional Asylum Activism Project, and testimonies from refugees, with poetry by Syrian refugee Bashar Farahat.

Also on the programme is a discussion by representatives of faith groups including Global Community Outreach and a local Gurdwara and mosque; information about the Sanctuary in Schools project, displays from local asylum support organisations and an open question and answer session.

* Sanctuary in Bradford - Making it Happen' takes place on Tuesday, September 22 at City Hall from 11am - 1.30pm. For more information visit bradford.cityofsanctuary.org