The tragic images we have all seen over the last week of desperate families trying to reach the shores of Europe must have touched even the most ardent of nationalists.

And while it is important that we do not simply throw away all the rules relating to immigration into this country, it is abundantly clear that in the name of basic humanity, we must do something to help.

Our district has a history of opening its arms to refugees and immigrants and fostering the diversity they bring; the city is an official City of Sanctuary.

We cannot turn our backs on the heartbreaking scenes that have been played out as men, women and children flee across oceans and land to find somewhere safe they can call home.

Yes, it is important we keep a level of perspective, given the wider issues of immigration that face the UK, but the plight of these families may have to at least temporarily transcend some of that red tape.

As Coun Green says, these are people often fleeing from horrors most of us cannot even imagine.

But he also points out the importance of not overloading the system, and finding a way of housing more refugees that is not detrimental to the district.

And there must be some checks and balances in place to ensure those who are seeking entry do go through some sort of vetting process.

Most importantly though, every district must do its part to find space to help house those genuine refugees who truly deserve to finally have a safe place to call home.