This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/sep/05/refugee-crisis-austrians-greet-thousands-off-hungarian-buses-live-updates

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Germany prepares for up to 10,000 refugee arrivals - live updates Germany prepares for up to 10,000 refugee arrivals - live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.42pm BST13:42
Guardian columnist Owen Jones tweets:
We have to show our humanity: my video on what we can all do about the refugee crisis https://t.co/x5X9iJw3Iz #refugeeswelcome
1.30pm BST13:30
The influx of refugees from countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan is bad news for potential migrants to Germany from western Balkan countries such as Serbia and Macedonia. Up to 75,000 asylum requests this year by migrants mainly from southeastern Europe are expected to be rejected as Germany speeds up asylum and extradition procedures for those from countries it deems safe. Der Spiegel magazine reported on Saturday that Germany had deported more than 10,000 foreigners so far this year, many of them from the Balkans - about the same number as for the whole of 2014. Germany is expecting up to 800,000 refugees and migrants this year - four times last year’s level.
1.13pm BST13:131.13pm BST13:13
6,500 refugees reach Austria
The Austrian interior minister says some 6,500 refugees have now reached Austria, and about a third of that number are already on their way to Germany.The Austrian interior minister says some 6,500 refugees have now reached Austria, and about a third of that number are already on their way to Germany.
Updated at 1.34pm BST
1.01pm BST13:011.01pm BST13:01
Watch the Guardian video of a train carrying 167 refugees arriving in Munich below.Watch the Guardian video of a train carrying 167 refugees arriving in Munich below.
12.58pm BST12:5812.58pm BST12:58
Emma Graham-Harrison reports from Keleti station that the area seemed almost empty bar a handful of sick, drunk or wary refugees, after the last bus left in the early hours of this morning.Emma Graham-Harrison reports from Keleti station that the area seemed almost empty bar a handful of sick, drunk or wary refugees, after the last bus left in the early hours of this morning.
Dawn found a nearby park that had been filled with Afghans -- while most Syrians stuck to the station -- had emptied out entirely and returned to a tranquil patch of green, with just one group of young men frustrated and worried that they slept through the bus convoy.Dawn found a nearby park that had been filled with Afghans -- while most Syrians stuck to the station -- had emptied out entirely and returned to a tranquil patch of green, with just one group of young men frustrated and worried that they slept through the bus convoy.
At Keleti though the underpasses were already filling up by mid morning, with people too suspicious to board the buses, away from the square when they left or just newly arrived.At Keleti though the underpasses were already filling up by mid morning, with people too suspicious to board the buses, away from the square when they left or just newly arrived.
“We were sleeping a hotel for one night, after four nights on the street, I had no idea the government would send buses” said Rahman, a 26 year-old Syrian from Aleppo traveling with his wife, sister in law and two nephews. “We just wanted a break, do you know if there will be another coach?” he asked anxiously.“We were sleeping a hotel for one night, after four nights on the street, I had no idea the government would send buses” said Rahman, a 26 year-old Syrian from Aleppo traveling with his wife, sister in law and two nephews. “We just wanted a break, do you know if there will be another coach?” he asked anxiously.
A young Iraqi who had just arrived had not even heard about the coaches. “I just arrived a couple of hours ago, I have no idea about buses” said 20 year-old sajad Al azawi from Baghdad, who wants to be a computer scientist and is heading to Germany.A young Iraqi who had just arrived had not even heard about the coaches. “I just arrived a couple of hours ago, I have no idea about buses” said 20 year-old sajad Al azawi from Baghdad, who wants to be a computer scientist and is heading to Germany.
A handful of those who didn’t go were simply fearful of being processed in Germany because they wanted to join family members elsewhere. “I’m going to London on my own, my brother lives there and you can get a good job, high pay,” said Khan Mohammad, who comes from northern Baghlan province.A handful of those who didn’t go were simply fearful of being processed in Germany because they wanted to join family members elsewhere. “I’m going to London on my own, my brother lives there and you can get a good job, high pay,” said Khan Mohammad, who comes from northern Baghlan province.
But around 11am a purposeful column of a couple of hundred new arrivals stormed through the station and onto the metro, declaring they were heading for Germany. They piled back up the escalators when it emerged they had the wrong train system and on to the mainline platforms where there were no longer warnings that international trains weren’t running.But around 11am a purposeful column of a couple of hundred new arrivals stormed through the station and onto the metro, declaring they were heading for Germany. They piled back up the escalators when it emerged they had the wrong train system and on to the mainline platforms where there were no longer warnings that international trains weren’t running.
“We must get to Germany,” said Suleiman, 23 from Gaza.“We must get to Germany,” said Suleiman, 23 from Gaza.
Updated at 1.00pm BSTUpdated at 1.00pm BST
12.54pm BST12:5412.54pm BST12:54
Other stories of extraordinary volunteer efforts continue to come in from around the country. Amit Sandhu spoke to one of them:Other stories of extraordinary volunteer efforts continue to come in from around the country. Amit Sandhu spoke to one of them:
Melanie Tassi, a mental health nurse, said she woke up on Thursday morning and decided she had to do something so posted a Facebook status asking for donations.Melanie Tassi, a mental health nurse, said she woke up on Thursday morning and decided she had to do something so posted a Facebook status asking for donations.
The 50-year-old has since been overwhelmed with supplies with friends and colleagues arriving at her home in St Leonards with everything from baby wipes to toothpaste, paper plates to knickers.The 50-year-old has since been overwhelmed with supplies with friends and colleagues arriving at her home in St Leonards with everything from baby wipes to toothpaste, paper plates to knickers.
She has now filled 14 large boxes to go to Calais and Greece and will drop them at collection points in Hastings and London ready to take over to desperate refugees.She has now filled 14 large boxes to go to Calais and Greece and will drop them at collection points in Hastings and London ready to take over to desperate refugees.
“I was absolutely overwhelmed - just absolutely the generosity of people astonished me quite frankly,” she says.“I was absolutely overwhelmed - just absolutely the generosity of people astonished me quite frankly,” she says.
“I’m not really backwards in coming forward politically so I have had lots of discussions and I was getting despondent with the responses of people.“I’m not really backwards in coming forward politically so I have had lots of discussions and I was getting despondent with the responses of people.
“I thought people were uncaring and this has not quite changed my mind but it has given me hope.”“I thought people were uncaring and this has not quite changed my mind but it has given me hope.”
Tassi says a combination of traveling to Kos earlier this summer and seeing the photographs of Aylan Kurdi contributed to her rising sense that something needed to be done.Tassi says a combination of traveling to Kos earlier this summer and seeing the photographs of Aylan Kurdi contributed to her rising sense that something needed to be done.
“In all seriousness there wasn’t one thing but possibly the pictures of the little boy drowning had some effect but that wasn’t really the defining moment,” she says“In all seriousness there wasn’t one thing but possibly the pictures of the little boy drowning had some effect but that wasn’t really the defining moment,” she says
“We went to Kos on holiday earlier this year just as lots of people were starting to arrive, living in tents, and in Kos town.“We went to Kos on holiday earlier this year just as lots of people were starting to arrive, living in tents, and in Kos town.
“That just touched a nerve. There wasn’t one defining moment but on Thursday morning I just thought I was sick of saying something should be done.”“That just touched a nerve. There wasn’t one defining moment but on Thursday morning I just thought I was sick of saying something should be done.”
12.51pm BST12:5112.51pm BST12:51
A group of friends have also set up a fundraiser “to give the displaced people stuck at Calais a break”. They will be raising money and delivering essential daily items on 10 October. You can donate money to them here. They have so far raised more than £2300.A group of friends have also set up a fundraiser “to give the displaced people stuck at Calais a break”. They will be raising money and delivering essential daily items on 10 October. You can donate money to them here. They have so far raised more than £2300.
12.48pm BST12:4812.48pm BST12:48
A Tesco in Liverpool has donated supplies for a volunteer and his friends to take down to Calais. Adam Kelwick is a Muslim chaplain for the High Sheriff of Merseyside, who set off for Calais this morning from outside Al-Rahma mosque in Liverpool. He wrote on Facebook yesterday:A Tesco in Liverpool has donated supplies for a volunteer and his friends to take down to Calais. Adam Kelwick is a Muslim chaplain for the High Sheriff of Merseyside, who set off for Calais this morning from outside Al-Rahma mosque in Liverpool. He wrote on Facebook yesterday:
I‘ve just dried the tears from my eyes! Went into the local supermarket and told them about the trip to Calais tomorrow and asked if they could give me a discount on some tents.I‘ve just dried the tears from my eyes! Went into the local supermarket and told them about the trip to Calais tomorrow and asked if they could give me a discount on some tents.
Instead, Shelly, the community care manager of Tesco Park Road, decided to donate boxes and boxes of airbeds, toys, toiletries, clothes and sweets free of charge. She also offered for some volunteers to pack bags there and raise funds for a future trip!Instead, Shelly, the community care manager of Tesco Park Road, decided to donate boxes and boxes of airbeds, toys, toiletries, clothes and sweets free of charge. She also offered for some volunteers to pack bags there and raise funds for a future trip!
In addition to this, in just one night I’ve received pledges of over £5000 and will be joined by a qualified GP who will offer free medical advice to the refugees there.In addition to this, in just one night I’ve received pledges of over £5000 and will be joined by a qualified GP who will offer free medical advice to the refugees there.
The Mayor of Liverpool has sent his wishes and cars and vans full of supplies donated by people of all backgrounds up and down the country will be joining us... WITH JUST ONE DAY’S NOTICE.The Mayor of Liverpool has sent his wishes and cars and vans full of supplies donated by people of all backgrounds up and down the country will be joining us... WITH JUST ONE DAY’S NOTICE.
Updated at 12.52pm BSTUpdated at 12.52pm BST
12.45pm BST12:4512.45pm BST12:45
The UN refugee agency has praised Austria and Germany for deciding to take in thousands of migrants who crossed the border from Hungary. The agency said in a statement that “this is political leadership based on humanitarian values.”The UN refugee agency has praised Austria and Germany for deciding to take in thousands of migrants who crossed the border from Hungary. The agency said in a statement that “this is political leadership based on humanitarian values.”
It also lauded civil society groups and ordinary citizens in Austria and Germany for helping provide a welcome to people in need, stating that “a remarkable outpouring of public response” is driving some governments to change their stance on accepting migrants.It also lauded civil society groups and ordinary citizens in Austria and Germany for helping provide a welcome to people in need, stating that “a remarkable outpouring of public response” is driving some governments to change their stance on accepting migrants.
But it said “the concentration of refugees and migrants in a small number of countries willing to receive them is not a sustainable solution.”But it said “the concentration of refugees and migrants in a small number of countries willing to receive them is not a sustainable solution.”
12.42pm BST12:4212.42pm BST12:42
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
A radical Presbyterian minister in Belfast who helped broker the Ulster loyalist terrorist ceasefires of the mid 1990s is already organising accomodation for Syrian refugees who want to settle in Northern Ireland’s main city.A radical Presbyterian minister in Belfast who helped broker the Ulster loyalist terrorist ceasefires of the mid 1990s is already organising accomodation for Syrian refugees who want to settle in Northern Ireland’s main city.
The Rev Chris Hudson and his congregation at All Soul’s Church in the university district of South Belfast are searching for housing for a number of Syrian families.The Rev Chris Hudson and his congregation at All Soul’s Church in the university district of South Belfast are searching for housing for a number of Syrian families.
The church’s congregation currently includes three asylum seekers who have fled from Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe.The church’s congregation currently includes three asylum seekers who have fled from Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe.
For Syrian refugees, the Rev Hudson said: We will provide clothing, furniture, accommodation and a modest income to get them started. If we can’t respond in this way we may shut up about being Christians.”For Syrian refugees, the Rev Hudson said: We will provide clothing, furniture, accommodation and a modest income to get them started. If we can’t respond in this way we may shut up about being Christians.”
The non-subscribing Presbyterian minister and former Dublin based trade unionist worked as a secret go-between with the Irish government and the loyalist paramilitaries during the peace process.The non-subscribing Presbyterian minister and former Dublin based trade unionist worked as a secret go-between with the Irish government and the loyalist paramilitaries during the peace process.
He called on clergy from all denominations in Belfast to plan for a co-ordinate strategy to house, clothe, feed and support Syrians coming to the region.He called on clergy from all denominations in Belfast to plan for a co-ordinate strategy to house, clothe, feed and support Syrians coming to the region.
“We need storage for furniture and other items so that it will be ready when needed. We can’t bring people in to beg on the streets.”“We need storage for furniture and other items so that it will be ready when needed. We can’t bring people in to beg on the streets.”
Ulster politicians meanwhile have united in their belief that up to 2,000 Syrian refugees fleeing the civil war could be brought to Northern Ireland.Ulster politicians meanwhile have united in their belief that up to 2,000 Syrian refugees fleeing the civil war could be brought to Northern Ireland.
Updated at 12.42pm BSTUpdated at 12.42pm BST
12.39pm BST12:3912.39pm BST12:39
More pictures are coming in from Budapest’s Keleti station.More pictures are coming in from Budapest’s Keleti station.
Refugees are flooding from the station and walking to Austria . @_EmmaGH pic.twitter.com/qBSyXCwFAtRefugees are flooding from the station and walking to Austria . @_EmmaGH pic.twitter.com/qBSyXCwFAt
New refugees are arriving at Budapest Keleti Station this morning #refugeecrisis @_EmmaGH pic.twitter.com/Dun0Oa8dPRNew refugees are arriving at Budapest Keleti Station this morning #refugeecrisis @_EmmaGH pic.twitter.com/Dun0Oa8dPR
Yara, 2, just arrived in Keleti after a night in detention centre pic.twitter.com/jntRSzkDY6Yara, 2, just arrived in Keleti after a night in detention centre pic.twitter.com/jntRSzkDY6
12.31pm BST12:3112.31pm BST12:31
Many individuals and organisations are sharing details of their collections on social media. The Bookseller reports that writers David Nicholls, Rosamund Lupton, Marian Keyes and Francesca Simon and publisher Andersen Press have joined a campaign started by Patrick Ness, which had raised £270,000, including gift aid, by yesterday afternoon.Many individuals and organisations are sharing details of their collections on social media. The Bookseller reports that writers David Nicholls, Rosamund Lupton, Marian Keyes and Francesca Simon and publisher Andersen Press have joined a campaign started by Patrick Ness, which had raised £270,000, including gift aid, by yesterday afternoon.
Author fundraising effort for Syrian refugees started by @Patrick_Ness reaches six figures: http://t.co/4sDkOkxkeC pic.twitter.com/WSEnq0EaM9Author fundraising effort for Syrian refugees started by @Patrick_Ness reaches six figures: http://t.co/4sDkOkxkeC pic.twitter.com/WSEnq0EaM9
Below are some further collections taking place.Below are some further collections taking place.
@stellacreasy @robfordmancs there's a collection for donations at the Hornbeam cafe! pic.twitter.com/naLworIjg8@stellacreasy @robfordmancs there's a collection for donations at the Hornbeam cafe! pic.twitter.com/naLworIjg8
Calaid - collection of donations for Calais refugees in Dalston on Sunday http://t.co/wp5ps9DA9dCalaid - collection of donations for Calais refugees in Dalston on Sunday http://t.co/wp5ps9DA9d
Dulwich Hamlet #dhfc Humanitarian Appeal TODAY at Champion Hill http://t.co/Pew3wf6ZCj We Are #Community pic.twitter.com/wqaPRtOTxODulwich Hamlet #dhfc Humanitarian Appeal TODAY at Champion Hill http://t.co/Pew3wf6ZCj We Are #Community pic.twitter.com/wqaPRtOTxO
Information is also available via London2Calais, who have collection points in Cambridge and London.Information is also available via London2Calais, who have collection points in Cambridge and London.
Updated at 12.34pm BSTUpdated at 12.34pm BST
12.25pm BST12:2512.25pm BST12:25
Italian president issues new calls for shared asylum rules in EUItalian president issues new calls for shared asylum rules in EU
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has called for shared asylum rules in the EU. Speaking via video link to a conference in northern Italy, Mattarella said the thousands of migrants approaching Europe should not be seen as enemies. He said the Dublin Regulation, which requires people seeking refuge in Europe to do so in the first country where they set foot, should be replaced with shared, updated rules in order to spread the burden more fairly.Italian President Sergio Mattarella has called for shared asylum rules in the EU. Speaking via video link to a conference in northern Italy, Mattarella said the thousands of migrants approaching Europe should not be seen as enemies. He said the Dublin Regulation, which requires people seeking refuge in Europe to do so in the first country where they set foot, should be replaced with shared, updated rules in order to spread the burden more fairly.
The choice is not between surrendering to an invasion and the supposed defence of ‘Fortress Europe’.The choice is not between surrendering to an invasion and the supposed defence of ‘Fortress Europe’.
The choice is between a Europe that decides its own destiny and a Europe that doesn’t know how to manage event.The choice is between a Europe that decides its own destiny and a Europe that doesn’t know how to manage event.
The world is on the move ... millions of women, men, children, a defenceless army marching in search of safety.The world is on the move ... millions of women, men, children, a defenceless army marching in search of safety.
Are those people fleeing violence and death our enemies? Or should we see our enemy in wars and international terrorism?Are those people fleeing violence and death our enemies? Or should we see our enemy in wars and international terrorism?
12.20pm BST12:2012.20pm BST12:20
At least 500 migrants have embarked on a new march away from Budapest’s main train station towards the Austrian border, AFP has confirmed.At least 500 migrants have embarked on a new march away from Budapest’s main train station towards the Austrian border, AFP has confirmed.
12.17pm BST12:1712.17pm BST12:17
The Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), which works with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to rescue migrants who risk their lives making the treacherous crossing over the Mediterranean Sea, has raised one million euro, the equivalent of £734,310, in just two days - 50 times what it normally receives.The Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), which works with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to rescue migrants who risk their lives making the treacherous crossing over the Mediterranean Sea, has raised one million euro, the equivalent of £734,310, in just two days - 50 times what it normally receives.
The charity said a “huge proportion” of the donations came from the UK.The charity said a “huge proportion” of the donations came from the UK.
A crowdfunding campaign has also been launched on Indiegogo to help buy at least one more boat for MOAS. Entitled #PeoplesArmada, the campaign is seeking to raise an additional $3 million. MOAS director Martin Xuereb said:A crowdfunding campaign has also been launched on Indiegogo to help buy at least one more boat for MOAS. Entitled #PeoplesArmada, the campaign is seeking to raise an additional $3 million. MOAS director Martin Xuereb said:
We are experiencing a tidal wave of humanity after years of global indifference. One photo has changed people’s hearts and minds the world over. We are all now realising this is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions and we need all hands on deck. People are donating to charities like ours because they want to do something concrete to help. It is time world leaders get together to do the same.We are experiencing a tidal wave of humanity after years of global indifference. One photo has changed people’s hearts and minds the world over. We are all now realising this is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions and we need all hands on deck. People are donating to charities like ours because they want to do something concrete to help. It is time world leaders get together to do the same.
Read our Guardian Long Read about MOAS, published earlier this year, here, and watch a short Guardian film on them below.Read our Guardian Long Read about MOAS, published earlier this year, here, and watch a short Guardian film on them below.
12.09pm BST12:0912.09pm BST12:09
It’s not just Britons who are making attempts to persuade their government to take further action to help refugees. Demonstrations are taking place in various cities around France today, Dale Berning Sawa reports.It’s not just Britons who are making attempts to persuade their government to take further action to help refugees. Demonstrations are taking place in various cities around France today, Dale Berning Sawa reports.
While an Elabe Institute internet poll published on Wednesday by BFMTV found that 56% of the French population opposes taking in any more refugees, the last few days have seen an increase in citizen activism around the country.While an Elabe Institute internet poll published on Wednesday by BFMTV found that 56% of the French population opposes taking in any more refugees, the last few days have seen an increase in citizen activism around the country.
A demonstration is being organised this afternoon in Paris, departing the Place de la République at 5pm under the banner #PasEnNotreNom (Not In Our Name) with further marches set to take place in Caen, Vannes, Arles, Toulouse, Nice, Montpelier, Bordeaux and Marseille.A demonstration is being organised this afternoon in Paris, departing the Place de la République at 5pm under the banner #PasEnNotreNom (Not In Our Name) with further marches set to take place in Caen, Vannes, Arles, Toulouse, Nice, Montpelier, Bordeaux and Marseille.
The online refugee support community Singa has launched CALM (Comme A La Maison, “just like at home”), an initiative for individuals to provide accommodation for refugees, while 12 small municipalities, including Saubens (population 2,100) in the Haute-Garonne in south-west France have pledged to take in people seeking shelter.The online refugee support community Singa has launched CALM (Comme A La Maison, “just like at home”), an initiative for individuals to provide accommodation for refugees, while 12 small municipalities, including Saubens (population 2,100) in the Haute-Garonne in south-west France have pledged to take in people seeking shelter.
La Vague Citoyenne launched an online petition on Tuesday, calling for the government to welcome refugees, which 25,000 people so far have signed. Charities including the Secours Catholique and Caritas France, who collectively run the vestiaire des mendiants (migrants’ cloakroom), that CalAid is transporting UK donations to, published a list of items urgently needed and seen an increase in donations and people wanting to volunteer.La Vague Citoyenne launched an online petition on Tuesday, calling for the government to welcome refugees, which 25,000 people so far have signed. Charities including the Secours Catholique and Caritas France, who collectively run the vestiaire des mendiants (migrants’ cloakroom), that CalAid is transporting UK donations to, published a list of items urgently needed and seen an increase in donations and people wanting to volunteer.
France Terre d’Asile is looking for volunteers to help asylum seekers in Calais with legal and linguistic aid – specifically they need Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Tigrinya and Amharic speakers.France Terre d’Asile is looking for volunteers to help asylum seekers in Calais with legal and linguistic aid – specifically they need Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Tigrinya and Amharic speakers.
Updated at 12.10pm BSTUpdated at 12.10pm BST
12.05pm BST12:0512.05pm BST12:05
Refugees in the Austrian border town of Nickelsdorf line up to board trains headed for Vienna on Saturday morning. Trains are leaving from the station near the Hungarian border every 30 minutes to take the huge influx of refugees to the Austrian capital, where they are expected to change trains for Germany. According to Austrian authorities, around 3,000 migrants are expected to travel to Vienna from the border during Saturday.Refugees in the Austrian border town of Nickelsdorf line up to board trains headed for Vienna on Saturday morning. Trains are leaving from the station near the Hungarian border every 30 minutes to take the huge influx of refugees to the Austrian capital, where they are expected to change trains for Germany. According to Austrian authorities, around 3,000 migrants are expected to travel to Vienna from the border during Saturday.
12.03pm BST12:0312.03pm BST12:03
AP is reporting that German police have searched the home of a 26-year-old Berlin man alleged to have celebrated the drowning of Aylan Kurdi in a Facebook post.AP is reporting that German police have searched the home of a 26-year-old Berlin man alleged to have celebrated the drowning of Aylan Kurdi in a Facebook post.
A spokeswoman for Berlin police said officers seized a computer and two cellphones during the raid earlier today. She said the man, whose name was not disclosed, was being investigated for “defaming the memory of the deceased and incitement to hatred.”A spokeswoman for Berlin police said officers seized a computer and two cellphones during the raid earlier today. She said the man, whose name was not disclosed, was being investigated for “defaming the memory of the deceased and incitement to hatred.”
German authorities are cracking down on far-right extremists using social media to stir up hatred of migrants. If convicted, the man in question could face up to three years in prison.German authorities are cracking down on far-right extremists using social media to stir up hatred of migrants. If convicted, the man in question could face up to three years in prison.
Updated at 12.04pm BSTUpdated at 12.04pm BST
11.57am BST11:5711.57am BST11:57
The aunt of Aylan Kurdi, the drowned 3-year-old Syrian boy, says she still hopes to bring the rest of her family to Canada. Through tears, Tima Kurdi told reporters outside her home in Coquitlam, British Columbia, that she plans to help her brother, Abdullah, and her other siblings immigrate to the country she made home more than two decades ago.The aunt of Aylan Kurdi, the drowned 3-year-old Syrian boy, says she still hopes to bring the rest of her family to Canada. Through tears, Tima Kurdi told reporters outside her home in Coquitlam, British Columbia, that she plans to help her brother, Abdullah, and her other siblings immigrate to the country she made home more than two decades ago.
She said Aylan’s father Abdullah, who buried Aylan, as well as his 5-year-old Ghalib, and wife Rehanna, in Kobani on Friday, wasn’t ready to leave his Syrian hometown.She said Aylan’s father Abdullah, who buried Aylan, as well as his 5-year-old Ghalib, and wife Rehanna, in Kobani on Friday, wasn’t ready to leave his Syrian hometown.
We’re all emotionally affected by what happened right now. I’m sure he (will) refuse and he doesn’t want to leave Kobani. But one day, I will bring him here. He cannot be by himself there.We’re all emotionally affected by what happened right now. I’m sure he (will) refuse and he doesn’t want to leave Kobani. But one day, I will bring him here. He cannot be by himself there.
I am the one who should be at blame. I blame myself because my brother does not have money. I sent him the money to pay the smuggler. If I didn’t send him the money, those people still (would be) alive.I am the one who should be at blame. I blame myself because my brother does not have money. I sent him the money to pay the smuggler. If I didn’t send him the money, those people still (would be) alive.
Kurdi said the trip was the “only option” left for the family to have a better life in a European country, possibly Germany or Sweden. They were fleeing horrors in Syria, where militants from the Islamic State group had beheaded one of her sister-in-law’s relatives. Kurdi said her brother had emailed her a photo of the killing but she deleted it because it was too horrific.Kurdi said the trip was the “only option” left for the family to have a better life in a European country, possibly Germany or Sweden. They were fleeing horrors in Syria, where militants from the Islamic State group had beheaded one of her sister-in-law’s relatives. Kurdi said her brother had emailed her a photo of the killing but she deleted it because it was too horrific.
She said she watched the video on CNN of her two young nephews being buried and desperately wished she could be there with her brother to say goodbye.She said she watched the video on CNN of her two young nephews being buried and desperately wished she could be there with her brother to say goodbye.
Abdullah said to me, ‘I don’t want you to come. It’s dangerous. I (could) stay there for the rest of my life, sitting beside their grave, feed them, give them water.Abdullah said to me, ‘I don’t want you to come. It’s dangerous. I (could) stay there for the rest of my life, sitting beside their grave, feed them, give them water.
Abdullah said, ‘I don’t need anything from this world anymore. What I have is gone.’ But my kids, and my wife, it’s a wake-up call for the world. And hopefully they step in and help others.”Abdullah said, ‘I don’t need anything from this world anymore. What I have is gone.’ But my kids, and my wife, it’s a wake-up call for the world. And hopefully they step in and help others.”
Updated at 11.59am BSTUpdated at 11.59am BST
11.44am BST11:4411.44am BST11:44
Owen DuffyOwen Duffy
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the formation of a humanitarian task force to oversee the country’s response to the ongoing refugee crisis. The group, chaired by the Scottish government’s international development minister Humza Yousaf, will bring together organisations from across Scotland with expertise in housing, social sevices, healthcare and other essential services.Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the formation of a humanitarian task force to oversee the country’s response to the ongoing refugee crisis. The group, chaired by the Scottish government’s international development minister Humza Yousaf, will bring together organisations from across Scotland with expertise in housing, social sevices, healthcare and other essential services.
The first minister said that the group would work to ensure that Scotland was prepared for an influx of asylum seekers.“Scotland already has well established structures in place for integrating those who come here seeking asylum and we stand ready to welcome our fair share of people fleeing persecution,” she said. “However, if we are to do this, there is no doubt that we do require a proper, co-ordinated approach.The first minister said that the group would work to ensure that Scotland was prepared for an influx of asylum seekers.“Scotland already has well established structures in place for integrating those who come here seeking asylum and we stand ready to welcome our fair share of people fleeing persecution,” she said. “However, if we are to do this, there is no doubt that we do require a proper, co-ordinated approach.
“The task force will also have a hugely important role in harnessing the many, many expressions of goodwill and offers of help from the public in Scotland, and ensuring that the wider Scottish community is able to play its part in welcoming people to our country.”“The task force will also have a hugely important role in harnessing the many, many expressions of goodwill and offers of help from the public in Scotland, and ensuring that the wider Scottish community is able to play its part in welcoming people to our country.”
Sturgeon, who has spoken of being moved to tears by pictures of drowned Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi, repeated her previous calls for the Westminster government to do more to assist refugees.Sturgeon, who has spoken of being moved to tears by pictures of drowned Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi, repeated her previous calls for the Westminster government to do more to assist refugees.
“We want to work constructively with the UK government and I welcome the additional steps that the Prime Minister has set out,” she said. “But there has to be much more detail given – for example we still don’t know how many refugees he is talking about or whether these are just refugees from Syrian camps or those in Europe.”“We want to work constructively with the UK government and I welcome the additional steps that the Prime Minister has set out,” she said. “But there has to be much more detail given – for example we still don’t know how many refugees he is talking about or whether these are just refugees from Syrian camps or those in Europe.”
Meanwhile, more than 12,000 people have said they plan to attend a vigil in Glasgow in support of people fleeing violence in Syria. The Glasgow Sees Syria demonstration is set to take place on Saturday 12 September in the city’s George Square. Glasgow’s city council has said that it is ready to provide accommodation and support to an additional 50 to 60 Syrian refugees. The city already hosts 55 people who have fled violence in the country.Meanwhile, more than 12,000 people have said they plan to attend a vigil in Glasgow in support of people fleeing violence in Syria. The Glasgow Sees Syria demonstration is set to take place on Saturday 12 September in the city’s George Square. Glasgow’s city council has said that it is ready to provide accommodation and support to an additional 50 to 60 Syrian refugees. The city already hosts 55 people who have fled violence in the country.
In Scottish football, Celtic have announced that they will donate their share of the takings from Sunday’s charity match against Dunfermline to the British Red Cross refugee crisis appeal.In Scottish football, Celtic have announced that they will donate their share of the takings from Sunday’s charity match against Dunfermline to the British Red Cross refugee crisis appeal.
11.42am BST11:4211.42am BST11:42
11.41am BST11:4111.41am BST11:41
There was a rally of some 250 people in front of Kings College, Cambridge this morning. The Guardian’s Jane Dudman has been at the scene.There was a rally of some 250 people in front of Kings College, Cambridge this morning. The Guardian’s Jane Dudman has been at the scene.
Locals have been organising a convoy to take supplies to Calais tomorrow. Sarah Whitebread, leader of the Cambridge Calais Refugee Action Group, addressed demonstrators.Locals have been organising a convoy to take supplies to Calais tomorrow. Sarah Whitebread, leader of the Cambridge Calais Refugee Action Group, addressed demonstrators.
Meanwhile, Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner told a crowd of about 300 people in front of Cambridge Guildhall that ordinary people have responded and the government now needs to do more. “It is shameful they have not been at the table,” he said.Meanwhile, Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner told a crowd of about 300 people in front of Cambridge Guildhall that ordinary people have responded and the government now needs to do more. “It is shameful they have not been at the table,” he said.
Updated at 11.58am BSTUpdated at 11.58am BST
11.40am BST11:4011.40am BST11:40
11.37am BST11:3711.37am BST11:37
11.28am BST11:2811.28am BST11:28
Katie Whyte, whose petition on Parliament’s website now has more than 404,000 signatures - making it one of the most supported petitions on gov.uk - says the government should set up a system to help Britons who want to welcome refugees into their homes. The 36 year-old from Sussex told Amit Sandhu that Cameron’s pledge to take in thousands more Syrians is not enough and that the PM should follow Germany’s example.Katie Whyte, whose petition on Parliament’s website now has more than 404,000 signatures - making it one of the most supported petitions on gov.uk - says the government should set up a system to help Britons who want to welcome refugees into their homes. The 36 year-old from Sussex told Amit Sandhu that Cameron’s pledge to take in thousands more Syrians is not enough and that the PM should follow Germany’s example.
I think he is responding to so much pressure from other countries and in Britain which is fantastic. But it is not enough to say just thousands - Germany is taking 800,000 and the whole atmosphere of the country is saying ‘yes we can do this’.I think he is responding to so much pressure from other countries and in Britain which is fantastic. But it is not enough to say just thousands - Germany is taking 800,000 and the whole atmosphere of the country is saying ‘yes we can do this’.
And we are saying we will take a small quota who are Syrians, but it’s not just Syrians who are refugees. There are British citizens who want to open their doors and let people into their homes.And we are saying we will take a small quota who are Syrians, but it’s not just Syrians who are refugees. There are British citizens who want to open their doors and let people into their homes.
The Government should help that happen - what kind of message is it if there is no system for that? He is saying we have to stabilise other countries but that is so complex - what about the short term?The Government should help that happen - what kind of message is it if there is no system for that? He is saying we have to stabilise other countries but that is so complex - what about the short term?
Whyte described herself as “frustrated” at the “depressing” scenes in Europe but says it helps to know that more and more Britons are joining groups and collecting aid.Whyte described herself as “frustrated” at the “depressing” scenes in Europe but says it helps to know that more and more Britons are joining groups and collecting aid.
There is growing support day by day, there are more people joining groups, people saying how can I help. I’m collecting goods for Calais, I’m a member of a couple of groups and I follow closely what’s happening. There are so many people who are gathering goods, food, whatever.There is growing support day by day, there are more people joining groups, people saying how can I help. I’m collecting goods for Calais, I’m a member of a couple of groups and I follow closely what’s happening. There are so many people who are gathering goods, food, whatever.
When I feel frustrated about this situation there is a small part of me... it helps to know that there are so many people in our country who feel the same and want to do something.When I feel frustrated about this situation there is a small part of me... it helps to know that there are so many people in our country who feel the same and want to do something.
Updated at 11.31am BSTUpdated at 11.31am BST
11.24am BST11:2411.24am BST11:24
MPs to debate refugee crisis on WednesdayMPs to debate refugee crisis on Wednesday
My colleague Amit Sandhu reports that MPs will have a full day’s debate on the refugee crisis following Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, after the SNP decided to use its opposition day to raise the issue.My colleague Amit Sandhu reports that MPs will have a full day’s debate on the refugee crisis following Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, after the SNP decided to use its opposition day to raise the issue.
The SNP will lead the debate and call for more urgent action from the Government which it says has “failed to show moral or political leadership on the issue”.The SNP will lead the debate and call for more urgent action from the Government which it says has “failed to show moral or political leadership on the issue”.
The SNP could force a vote if their motion is opposed by MPs from other parties.The SNP could force a vote if their motion is opposed by MPs from other parties.
The party’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson said: “David Cameron has failed to show any leadership on the refugee crisis - he must attend this parliamentary debate and show that he is serious about taking action and moving beyond what, to date has been a slow and wholly inadequate response from his government.The party’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson said: “David Cameron has failed to show any leadership on the refugee crisis - he must attend this parliamentary debate and show that he is serious about taking action and moving beyond what, to date has been a slow and wholly inadequate response from his government.
“The Prime Minister must outline the full details of whether the UK government will now offer asylum and protection to its fair share of refugees, and how he intends to work with other EU leaders to ensure multilateral action and a long-term solution to the crisis.“The Prime Minister must outline the full details of whether the UK government will now offer asylum and protection to its fair share of refugees, and how he intends to work with other EU leaders to ensure multilateral action and a long-term solution to the crisis.
“The lacklustre response from the UK Government so far has been deeply out of touch with public opinion. The SNP has been calling on the Westminster Government to take its fair share for many months - and I raised the issue with David Cameron in June in Prime Minister’s Questions.“The lacklustre response from the UK Government so far has been deeply out of touch with public opinion. The SNP has been calling on the Westminster Government to take its fair share for many months - and I raised the issue with David Cameron in June in Prime Minister’s Questions.
“We need a full debate in Parliament – the PM must attend to outline the full details of what he is now proposing and to answer the serious questions MPs will have of the government’s record.”“We need a full debate in Parliament – the PM must attend to outline the full details of what he is now proposing and to answer the serious questions MPs will have of the government’s record.”
It’s worth flagging that a Populus poll of 1,689 people, reported in the Times, suggested the country was divided over the right response to the crisis. A narrow majority of 51% -said they did not believe the government needed to go any further.It’s worth flagging that a Populus poll of 1,689 people, reported in the Times, suggested the country was divided over the right response to the crisis. A narrow majority of 51% -said they did not believe the government needed to go any further.
11.21am BST11:2111.21am BST11:21
And we have a second video of migrants boarding the buses provided by the Hungarian government in Budapest.And we have a second video of migrants boarding the buses provided by the Hungarian government in Budapest.
11.18am BST11:1811.18am BST11:18
Here’s our video of thousands of refugees crossing the Austrian border in the early hours of Saturday morning after being transported there by Hungarian buses.Here’s our video of thousands of refugees crossing the Austrian border in the early hours of Saturday morning after being transported there by Hungarian buses.
11.15am BST11:1511.15am BST11:15
Matthew Taylor has been in the “jungle” camp in Calais, where he has spoken to an 18-year old Pakistani refugee called Jahazab. He writes:Matthew Taylor has been in the “jungle” camp in Calais, where he has spoken to an 18-year old Pakistani refugee called Jahazab. He writes:
Trying to light a fire in a makeshift shelter next to his tent Jahazab explains why he has given up trying to get to the UK. The 18-year-old left Pakistan with his cousin Sadiq after his two brothers, aged seven and nine died in a Taliban bomb attack in their school. His father had been shot by the Taliban in a separate attack and his mother said he had to leave “if he wanted to live.”Trying to light a fire in a makeshift shelter next to his tent Jahazab explains why he has given up trying to get to the UK. The 18-year-old left Pakistan with his cousin Sadiq after his two brothers, aged seven and nine died in a Taliban bomb attack in their school. His father had been shot by the Taliban in a separate attack and his mother said he had to leave “if he wanted to live.”
Travelling through Iran and Turkey the pair had set their hearts on the UK because it was “safe and we spoke the language.”Travelling through Iran and Turkey the pair had set their hearts on the UK because it was “safe and we spoke the language.”
In Brussels they were arrested and sent back to Bulgaria where they had already been finger printed. Jahazab says they were beaten by the Bulgarian police and told they were going to die. But after 22 days the pair escaped over a concrete wall leaving Jahazab with a badly injured leg.In Brussels they were arrested and sent back to Bulgaria where they had already been finger printed. Jahazab says they were beaten by the Bulgarian police and told they were going to die. But after 22 days the pair escaped over a concrete wall leaving Jahazab with a badly injured leg.
On the road again they arrived in Calais three months ago and began to try and jump lorries or trains bound for the UK. But two weeks ago disaster struck. Jahazab says Sadiq was clinging to the side of a train when he was crushed against a wall. “He has two children back in Pakistan,” said Jahazab sipping tea outside his tent.On the road again they arrived in Calais three months ago and began to try and jump lorries or trains bound for the UK. But two weeks ago disaster struck. Jahazab says Sadiq was clinging to the side of a train when he was crushed against a wall. “He has two children back in Pakistan,” said Jahazab sipping tea outside his tent.
Since then Jahazab has filed for asylum in France. But he says even if he is successful he will stay in the jungle. “I don’t know anyone and can’t speak the language so what else to do? I don’t want to take anything from them.”Since then Jahazab has filed for asylum in France. But he says even if he is successful he will stay in the jungle. “I don’t know anyone and can’t speak the language so what else to do? I don’t want to take anything from them.”
Despite the increased security and deadly risks that have seen at least 10 people die this summer, many others in the camp are still trying to get to the UK. “More and more each night,” says Jahazab. “Last night one of my friends got through - I heard from him today. Two nights before three more of the people I know got through.”Despite the increased security and deadly risks that have seen at least 10 people die this summer, many others in the camp are still trying to get to the UK. “More and more each night,” says Jahazab. “Last night one of my friends got through - I heard from him today. Two nights before three more of the people I know got through.”
But for Jahazab the risks are too great. “My mother is very worried about me so I will try and stay here... But it is a hard way to live.”But for Jahazab the risks are too great. “My mother is very worried about me so I will try and stay here... But it is a hard way to live.”
Updated at 11.19am BSTUpdated at 11.19am BST
11.10am BST11:1011.10am BST11:10
We have more stories from refugees about why they’re making the journey across Europe. Yesterday, Mona Mahmood spoke to Um Muhammed, a 45 year-old Syrian mother of four kids from Aleppo city, north of Syria, who had been living in Saudi Arabia for more than 18 years. Um had to leave Jeddah city, in western Saudi Arabia, and flee to Turkey to smuggle herself into Europe, in order to get settlement and medical treatment for her eldest son who suffers from Autism. She is currently at a camp in Nonberg City in Germany. This is her story:We have more stories from refugees about why they’re making the journey across Europe. Yesterday, Mona Mahmood spoke to Um Muhammed, a 45 year-old Syrian mother of four kids from Aleppo city, north of Syria, who had been living in Saudi Arabia for more than 18 years. Um had to leave Jeddah city, in western Saudi Arabia, and flee to Turkey to smuggle herself into Europe, in order to get settlement and medical treatment for her eldest son who suffers from Autism. She is currently at a camp in Nonberg City in Germany. This is her story:
My husband was working in a car repair shop in Saudi Arabia for a Saudi guarantor who used to pay him 1500 Saudi Riyal (£263) per month. The six of us were crammed into a two room house, though my eldest son, Ahmed, has autism. He needs special medical treatment that we could not afford any more. Though we were Syrian residents, we were considered as foreigners in Jeddah and denied access to governmental hospitals. Whenever Ahmed’s situation deteriorated, we ran to a private doctor who charged us a fortune.My husband was working in a car repair shop in Saudi Arabia for a Saudi guarantor who used to pay him 1500 Saudi Riyal (£263) per month. The six of us were crammed into a two room house, though my eldest son, Ahmed, has autism. He needs special medical treatment that we could not afford any more. Though we were Syrian residents, we were considered as foreigners in Jeddah and denied access to governmental hospitals. Whenever Ahmed’s situation deteriorated, we ran to a private doctor who charged us a fortune.
We could hardly cope with our mounting daily expenses and the high cost of Ahmed’s treatment. However, we felt lucky being in a safe place in comparison to millions of Syrians who were struggling under the heavy shelling of the different conflicted factions in Syria. But the Saudi guarantor all of a sudden told my husband three months ago that he did not need him any more and that meant we had to leave the country as soon as possible. There was no way to go back to Syria or to any other country but to head to Europe to apply for asylum and find treatment for our ill son.We could hardly cope with our mounting daily expenses and the high cost of Ahmed’s treatment. However, we felt lucky being in a safe place in comparison to millions of Syrians who were struggling under the heavy shelling of the different conflicted factions in Syria. But the Saudi guarantor all of a sudden told my husband three months ago that he did not need him any more and that meant we had to leave the country as soon as possible. There was no way to go back to Syria or to any other country but to head to Europe to apply for asylum and find treatment for our ill son.
We left Jeddah for Azmir in Turkey two months ago and had to pay €1350 to a smuggler to take us to Greece. Ahmed, my son was so scared of the high waves, we tried our best several times to put him in the boat but he was shouting and crying all the time. I had to leave Ahmed with my husband in Azmir and leave with my other three kids. After half an hour in the sea, we found ourselves surrounded by the Turkish coast guards who took the boat motor out and left us in the middle of the sea all night. We were counting our breaths to keep the boat in a balance up till the morning when the guards came again to put me in jail with my kids for seven day.We left Jeddah for Azmir in Turkey two months ago and had to pay €1350 to a smuggler to take us to Greece. Ahmed, my son was so scared of the high waves, we tried our best several times to put him in the boat but he was shouting and crying all the time. I had to leave Ahmed with my husband in Azmir and leave with my other three kids. After half an hour in the sea, we found ourselves surrounded by the Turkish coast guards who took the boat motor out and left us in the middle of the sea all night. We were counting our breaths to keep the boat in a balance up till the morning when the guards came again to put me in jail with my kids for seven day.
When we were able to make it to Greece, I stayed with my three kids in a park for more than seven days, then the smuggler to took us to Serbia. He put us in a refrigerated van and was driving at a mad speed. My daughter, Reem, 9, still suffers from nightmares that keep waking her up at midnight because of our long walk in frightening forests while crossing the borders to Hungary. You would hear wolves howling all the time. It took me and my three kids more than 45 days to get to Germany and the cost was €4000.When we were able to make it to Greece, I stayed with my three kids in a park for more than seven days, then the smuggler to took us to Serbia. He put us in a refrigerated van and was driving at a mad speed. My daughter, Reem, 9, still suffers from nightmares that keep waking her up at midnight because of our long walk in frightening forests while crossing the borders to Hungary. You would hear wolves howling all the time. It took me and my three kids more than 45 days to get to Germany and the cost was €4000.
I live now in a large room in a camp with more than 50 Syrian and Iraqi families. The room is furnished with 25 double layers beds and many bathrooms. There is a kitchen too which provides refugees with three meals a day. I’m waiting for my turn to have a chest x ray and then may be transferred to another camp. I hope my husband and my son will be able to make it to Germany eventually and join us. I agreed with my husband to give our son, Ahmed, three or four tablets of Valium to keep him asleep along the trip in the boat till they get to Greece.I live now in a large room in a camp with more than 50 Syrian and Iraqi families. The room is furnished with 25 double layers beds and many bathrooms. There is a kitchen too which provides refugees with three meals a day. I’m waiting for my turn to have a chest x ray and then may be transferred to another camp. I hope my husband and my son will be able to make it to Germany eventually and join us. I agreed with my husband to give our son, Ahmed, three or four tablets of Valium to keep him asleep along the trip in the boat till they get to Greece.
I wanted Ahmed to come to Germany to have a good medical treatment, we could not handle his situation by ourselves any more.I wanted Ahmed to come to Germany to have a good medical treatment, we could not handle his situation by ourselves any more.
Updated at 11.12am BSTUpdated at 11.12am BST
11.02am BST11:0211.02am BST11:02
The first train carrying 167 migrants from Austria to Germany arrived in Munich at 10:25 a.m local time (08:25 GMT). Federal police spokesman Simon Hegewald told the Associated Press that a specially chartered train from Salzburg, Austria, with several hundred migrants on board was expected in Munich around noon. You can watch live coverage of Munich station in the video below.The first train carrying 167 migrants from Austria to Germany arrived in Munich at 10:25 a.m local time (08:25 GMT). Federal police spokesman Simon Hegewald told the Associated Press that a specially chartered train from Salzburg, Austria, with several hundred migrants on board was expected in Munich around noon. You can watch live coverage of Munich station in the video below.
Updated at 11.02am BSTUpdated at 11.02am BST
10.57am BST10:5710.57am BST10:57
More refugees leave Budapest to march to AustriaMore refugees leave Budapest to march to Austria
Guardian correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison is currently at Budapest’s Keleti station. She’s been tweeting news and images from the scene. Another March to Austria has started, she says, with newly arrived refugees and those who missed the first march and buses.Guardian correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison is currently at Budapest’s Keleti station. She’s been tweeting news and images from the scene. Another March to Austria has started, she says, with newly arrived refugees and those who missed the first march and buses.
This Budapest park was filled with people last night. The few who are left slept through 2 am news of the buses pic.twitter.com/CHfnH2MYkOThis Budapest park was filled with people last night. The few who are left slept through 2 am news of the buses pic.twitter.com/CHfnH2MYkO
Thousands are reaching Austria and Germany but for hundreds of others the nightmare at Keleti goes on pic.twitter.com/CnSfQX1uo2Thousands are reaching Austria and Germany but for hundreds of others the nightmare at Keleti goes on pic.twitter.com/CnSfQX1uo2
Still, the number of refugees in Kelati has shrunk so much I just saw children (politely) declining toys and biscuitsStill, the number of refugees in Kelati has shrunk so much I just saw children (politely) declining toys and biscuits
Keleti almost back where things were a week ago. hundreds of people who just arrived try to storm a train pic.twitter.com/C6ejFtH2xzKeleti almost back where things were a week ago. hundreds of people who just arrived try to storm a train pic.twitter.com/C6ejFtH2xz
Another March to Austria starts, with newly arrived refugees and those who missed the first March and the buses https://t.co/5WT7jpZ7UCAnother March to Austria starts, with newly arrived refugees and those who missed the first March and the buses https://t.co/5WT7jpZ7UC
Updated at 11.17am BSTUpdated at 11.17am BST
10.52am BST10:5210.52am BST10:52
My colleagues Esther Addley and Aisha Gani have spoken to some people across the UK who are collecting donations and organising relief runs. I’ve included a couple of examples below, but it’s worth clicking through to read the full article - in amongst all the harrowing news, there are some positive stories to take home.My colleagues Esther Addley and Aisha Gani have spoken to some people across the UK who are collecting donations and organising relief runs. I’ve included a couple of examples below, but it’s worth clicking through to read the full article - in amongst all the harrowing news, there are some positive stories to take home.
The business manager, Belfast: Richard Snape describes himself as “a capitalist, really” and has “never, ever, ever” done anything like this before, but the photograph of Aylan Kurdi lying on a Turkish beach was “the light switch”, he says. “Before, I was aware it was going on, obviously, but that was the switch. This is happening on our doorstep. This is humanity.”The business manager, Belfast: Richard Snape describes himself as “a capitalist, really” and has “never, ever, ever” done anything like this before, but the photograph of Aylan Kurdi lying on a Turkish beach was “the light switch”, he says. “Before, I was aware it was going on, obviously, but that was the switch. This is happening on our doorstep. This is humanity.”
The manager of a wooden floor company in Belfast, he has access to a van and storage space in the city, so on Thursday evening he put a note on his Facebook page asking people to drop off items that he could drive to the camps in Calais early next week. He then booked a ferry. By Friday morning, two other businesses had offered to drive behind him in convoy, one promising to fill a 7.5-tonne lorry.The manager of a wooden floor company in Belfast, he has access to a van and storage space in the city, so on Thursday evening he put a note on his Facebook page asking people to drop off items that he could drive to the camps in Calais early next week. He then booked a ferry. By Friday morning, two other businesses had offered to drive behind him in convoy, one promising to fill a 7.5-tonne lorry.
“I’m going to take my van to Calais on Monday, drop a full load of tents, batteries, stuff like that, then do a few runs to a cash-and-carry dependent on what else they need, and then I’m going to come back again. I’m not looking to save the world by any stretch. But I think I can make a difference to 20 or 30 people in dire need, and I’m happy with that.”“I’m going to take my van to Calais on Monday, drop a full load of tents, batteries, stuff like that, then do a few runs to a cash-and-carry dependent on what else they need, and then I’m going to come back again. I’m not looking to save the world by any stretch. But I think I can make a difference to 20 or 30 people in dire need, and I’m happy with that.”
The lawyer, London: Sean Jones is a QC and a father and at 11pm on Thursday night, having wrestled with how best to respond to the “completely harrowing” photographs from Turkey, he set up a JustGiving page and urged his fellow lawyers to donate one billable hour of their time to Save the Children’s refugee appeal. His target of £7,500 had been met before he went to bed. By mid-afternoon on Friday, he had raised almost £50,000.The lawyer, London: Sean Jones is a QC and a father and at 11pm on Thursday night, having wrestled with how best to respond to the “completely harrowing” photographs from Turkey, he set up a JustGiving page and urged his fellow lawyers to donate one billable hour of their time to Save the Children’s refugee appeal. His target of £7,500 had been met before he went to bed. By mid-afternoon on Friday, he had raised almost £50,000.
“My view has always been that lawyers are a lot more generous than people give them credit for, but nevertheless, it has felt like the tide coming in,” he said. “It’s been extraordinary and I’m very proud of the people I work with, frankly.“My view has always been that lawyers are a lot more generous than people give them credit for, but nevertheless, it has felt like the tide coming in,” he said. “It’s been extraordinary and I’m very proud of the people I work with, frankly.
“People have been very nice about me setting up a website, but that’s literally all I did. Everything else has got zero to do with me and everything to do with that sense that - finally - there’s something I can do practically.”“People have been very nice about me setting up a website, but that’s literally all I did. Everything else has got zero to do with me and everything to do with that sense that - finally - there’s something I can do practically.”
10.48am BST10:4810.48am BST10:48
As migrants and refugees departed from Budapest station in a hurry, they left behind hundreds of toys, shoes and non-essentials. Photographer Antonio Olmos has captured the poignancy of the discarded items.As migrants and refugees departed from Budapest station in a hurry, they left behind hundreds of toys, shoes and non-essentials. Photographer Antonio Olmos has captured the poignancy of the discarded items.
Related: Toys and teddies abandoned at Budapest station – in picturesRelated: Toys and teddies abandoned at Budapest station – in pictures
Updated at 10.48am BSTUpdated at 10.48am BST
10.44am BST10:4410.44am BST10:44
UK council chiefs ask for additional funding from WhitehallUK council chiefs ask for additional funding from Whitehall
British council chiefs have said that David Cameron must make resources available to support essential public services if Britain is to open its doors to more Syrian refugees.British council chiefs have said that David Cameron must make resources available to support essential public services if Britain is to open its doors to more Syrian refugees.
David Simmonds, of the Local Government Association’s asylum, refugee and migrant taskforce, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning that councils in England were taking 2,000 unaccompanied refugee children a year at a cost of £50,000 per child. A further £150m was being spent annually on destitute families who had had their asylum applications turned down but who remained in the UK, he said.David Simmonds, of the Local Government Association’s asylum, refugee and migrant taskforce, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning that councils in England were taking 2,000 unaccompanied refugee children a year at a cost of £50,000 per child. A further £150m was being spent annually on destitute families who had had their asylum applications turned down but who remained in the UK, he said.
If we are going to scale those numbers up significantly we need to make sure that those kinds of resources are available to England’s councils and also other public services to make sure that we have what is required in terms of school places, hospital beds, GPs, that sort of thing.If we are going to scale those numbers up significantly we need to make sure that those kinds of resources are available to England’s councils and also other public services to make sure that we have what is required in terms of school places, hospital beds, GPs, that sort of thing.
Simmonds added that councils would welcome the numbers if other families followed the example of Bob Geldof, who has offered to put up four refugee families at his homes in Kent and London. But he suggested the priority would be to place refugees who were already in the UK rather than those awaiting re-settlement from the camps.Simmonds added that councils would welcome the numbers if other families followed the example of Bob Geldof, who has offered to put up four refugee families at his homes in Kent and London. But he suggested the priority would be to place refugees who were already in the UK rather than those awaiting re-settlement from the camps.
I am sure that many local councils would be delighted if those who have got space are making that offer because I am sure that we could offer those places to some of the refugee families who are already in the UK.I am sure that many local councils would be delighted if those who have got space are making that offer because I am sure that we could offer those places to some of the refugee families who are already in the UK.
10.38am BST10:3810.38am BST10:38
Polish prime minister says she is committed to 'responsible solidarity'Polish prime minister says she is committed to 'responsible solidarity'
Polish prime minister Ewa Kopacz has reiterated that accepting 2,000 migrants is enough, given Poland’s capabilities. Speaking after a specially convened meeting regarding the refugee crisis, Kopacz said:Polish prime minister Ewa Kopacz has reiterated that accepting 2,000 migrants is enough, given Poland’s capabilities. Speaking after a specially convened meeting regarding the refugee crisis, Kopacz said:
The number of 2,000 can be deemed enough. We are ready to take care of such a group. We are committed to solidarity, but it has to be a responsible solidarity. We do not expect solidarity beyond measure and we think that our responsible solidarity should be adequate to the country’s capabilities, without destabilising it.The number of 2,000 can be deemed enough. We are ready to take care of such a group. We are committed to solidarity, but it has to be a responsible solidarity. We do not expect solidarity beyond measure and we think that our responsible solidarity should be adequate to the country’s capabilities, without destabilising it.
In July, Poland agreed to accept 2,000 migrants from Syria and North Africa by 2017.In July, Poland agreed to accept 2,000 migrants from Syria and North Africa by 2017.
10.31am BST10:3110.31am BST10:31
More than 40 local councils in UK offer sanctuary to Syrian refugeesMore than 40 local councils in UK offer sanctuary to Syrian refugees
More than 40 local councils across Britain have responded to an appeal to offer sanctuary to Syrian refugees. Labour leadership contender Yvette Cooper - who earlier this week called for the UK to take 10,000 refugees - said local authorities around the country had shown a “rising sense of moral purpose”.More than 40 local councils across Britain have responded to an appeal to offer sanctuary to Syrian refugees. Labour leadership contender Yvette Cooper - who earlier this week called for the UK to take 10,000 refugees - said local authorities around the country had shown a “rising sense of moral purpose”.
The shadow home secretary said that within 24 hours of her asking councils in England, Scotland and Wales if they would be prepared to help in providing places for refugees, more than 40 had written back offering support.The shadow home secretary said that within 24 hours of her asking councils in England, Scotland and Wales if they would be prepared to help in providing places for refugees, more than 40 had written back offering support.
Cooper said it was now up to the Government to work with local authorities to ensure as many people as possible were helped. She said:Cooper said it was now up to the Government to work with local authorities to ensure as many people as possible were helped. She said:
Already councils from across the country have said they want to work with the Government to help Britain offer sanctuary to more refugees.Already councils from across the country have said they want to work with the Government to help Britain offer sanctuary to more refugees.
There is a real determination and rising sense of moral purpose across Britain to help desperate families. But now the Prime Minister needs to match it.There is a real determination and rising sense of moral purpose across Britain to help desperate families. But now the Prime Minister needs to match it.
I’m once again urging the Government to work with councils to offer as many as 10,000 places for refugees and be part of a national mission to deal with this terrible humanitarian crisis.I’m once again urging the Government to work with councils to offer as many as 10,000 places for refugees and be part of a national mission to deal with this terrible humanitarian crisis.
In a speech on Tuesday, Cooper had argued that if every London borough and county council took 10 families and Scotland, Wales and the English regions all played their part, it would be possible to create almost 10,000 places within a month.In a speech on Tuesday, Cooper had argued that if every London borough and county council took 10 families and Scotland, Wales and the English regions all played their part, it would be possible to create almost 10,000 places within a month.
So far, just 216 Syrians have been admitted to the UK under the scheme to help the most vulnerable people in refugee camps, while a further 5,000 have been granted asylum over the past four years.So far, just 216 Syrians have been admitted to the UK under the scheme to help the most vulnerable people in refugee camps, while a further 5,000 have been granted asylum over the past four years.
10.27am BST10:2710.27am BST10:27
The Guardian’s Phoebe Greenwood spoke to Munich volunteers heading to Budapest yesterday. If you’re a refugee who’s crossed the Mediterranean this summer - or you’re one of those who’s helping refugees, we’d like to hear from you. We’ll feature your stories in our reporting.The Guardian’s Phoebe Greenwood spoke to Munich volunteers heading to Budapest yesterday. If you’re a refugee who’s crossed the Mediterranean this summer - or you’re one of those who’s helping refugees, we’d like to hear from you. We’ll feature your stories in our reporting.
10.20am BST10:2010.20am BST10:20
Finnish prime minister offers his home to refugeesFinnish prime minister offers his home to refugees
Finland’s prime minister, Juha Sipila, has said he would offer his home, in the Kempele area more than 500km north of Helsinki, to refugees.Finland’s prime minister, Juha Sipila, has said he would offer his home, in the Kempele area more than 500km north of Helsinki, to refugees.
Sipila said the house was rarely used at the moment and would house asylum seekers from the start of next year. He told national broadcaster YLE: “We should all take a look in the mirror and ask how we can help.”Sipila said the house was rarely used at the moment and would house asylum seekers from the start of next year. He told national broadcaster YLE: “We should all take a look in the mirror and ask how we can help.”
He said that an EU plan to distribute 120,000 refugees arriving in Greece, Italy and Hungary to countries around the union should be voluntary and hoped Finland could show an example. “I hope this becomes some kind of people’s movement that will inspire many others to shoulder part of the burden in this refugee housing crisis,” he said.He said that an EU plan to distribute 120,000 refugees arriving in Greece, Italy and Hungary to countries around the union should be voluntary and hoped Finland could show an example. “I hope this becomes some kind of people’s movement that will inspire many others to shoulder part of the burden in this refugee housing crisis,” he said.
Finland’s government yesterday doubled its estimate for the number of asylum seekers in the country this year to up to 30,000.Finland’s government yesterday doubled its estimate for the number of asylum seekers in the country this year to up to 30,000.
Updated at 10.37am BSTUpdated at 10.37am BST
10.13am BST10:1310.13am BST10:13
German police say they are expecting up to 10,000 refugees todayGerman police say they are expecting up to 10,000 refugees today
German police say they are expecting up to 10,000 refugees to come to the country from Hungary via Austria today. Police spokesman Stefan Sonntag told Reuters: “We don’t have reliable figures yet, but we are expecting between 5,000 and 10,000 refugees today.” He added officials were still in the progress of coordinating in order to cope with the number of refugees.German police say they are expecting up to 10,000 refugees to come to the country from Hungary via Austria today. Police spokesman Stefan Sonntag told Reuters: “We don’t have reliable figures yet, but we are expecting between 5,000 and 10,000 refugees today.” He added officials were still in the progress of coordinating in order to cope with the number of refugees.
As a reminder, German officials said they felt it was necessary to take responsibility for the refugees given Hungary’s apparent inability to manage the challenge. But they emphasised that Hungary, as an EU member and first port of call for many migrants, needed to do more to ensure that new arrivals filed for asylum there rather than travel deeper into Europe. German government spokesman Georg Streiter said:As a reminder, German officials said they felt it was necessary to take responsibility for the refugees given Hungary’s apparent inability to manage the challenge. But they emphasised that Hungary, as an EU member and first port of call for many migrants, needed to do more to ensure that new arrivals filed for asylum there rather than travel deeper into Europe. German government spokesman Georg Streiter said:
Because of the emergency situation on the Hungarian border, Austria and Germany have agreed to allow the refugees to travel onward in this case. It’s an attempt to help solve an emergency situation. But we continue to expect Hungary to meet its European obligations.Because of the emergency situation on the Hungarian border, Austria and Germany have agreed to allow the refugees to travel onward in this case. It’s an attempt to help solve an emergency situation. But we continue to expect Hungary to meet its European obligations.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has led calls for other EU members to shelter migrants as potential refugees, particularly those fleeing civil war in Syria, said in comments published Saturday that her country would observe no legal limit on the number of asylum seekers it might take. She told the Funke consortium of newspapers:German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has led calls for other EU members to shelter migrants as potential refugees, particularly those fleeing civil war in Syria, said in comments published Saturday that her country would observe no legal limit on the number of asylum seekers it might take. She told the Funke consortium of newspapers:
The right to political asylum has no limits on the number of asylum seekers. As a strong, economically healthy country we have the strength to do what is necessary and ensure that every asylum seeker gets a fair hearing.The right to political asylum has no limits on the number of asylum seekers. As a strong, economically healthy country we have the strength to do what is necessary and ensure that every asylum seeker gets a fair hearing.
The 28-nation EU is sharply divided over what to do with the tremendous amount of refugees fleeing war and turmoil across the Middle East and North Africa.The 28-nation EU is sharply divided over what to do with the tremendous amount of refugees fleeing war and turmoil across the Middle East and North Africa.
Germany has led efforts to open the doors, saying it would accept 800,000 refugees this year and backing plans for mandatory quotas in the EU.Germany has led efforts to open the doors, saying it would accept 800,000 refugees this year and backing plans for mandatory quotas in the EU.
But Hungary, along with many of the bloc’s newer eastern members, flatly opposes quotas and insists current rules should be applied whereby asylum seekers must be processed in the country they first arrive in, not the country they want to go to.But Hungary, along with many of the bloc’s newer eastern members, flatly opposes quotas and insists current rules should be applied whereby asylum seekers must be processed in the country they first arrive in, not the country they want to go to.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the problems in Hungary had been caused by “the failed migration policy of the EU and ... irresponsible statements made by some European politicians.” He did not elaborate but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blamed Germany for encouraging people to risk their lives coming to Europe with its promise of more places for refugees.Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the problems in Hungary had been caused by “the failed migration policy of the EU and ... irresponsible statements made by some European politicians.” He did not elaborate but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blamed Germany for encouraging people to risk their lives coming to Europe with its promise of more places for refugees.
Updated at 10.35am BSTUpdated at 10.35am BST
9.59am BST09:599.59am BST09:59
Austrian Foreign Minister says Hungary march was a “wake up call”Austrian Foreign Minister says Hungary march was a “wake up call”
Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz has said that the plight of thousands of migrants stranded in Hungary, now being taken into his country, was a “wake up call” for Europe. While arriving for informal talks with his EU peers earlier this morning, Kurz said:Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz has said that the plight of thousands of migrants stranded in Hungary, now being taken into his country, was a “wake up call” for Europe. While arriving for informal talks with his EU peers earlier this morning, Kurz said:
This has to be an eye opener about how messed up the situation in Europe is now.This has to be an eye opener about how messed up the situation in Europe is now.
I hope that this serves as a wake up call that (the situation) cannot continue.I hope that this serves as a wake up call that (the situation) cannot continue.
Thank god, the problem could be solved yesterday evening in a humanitarian way.Thank god, the problem could be solved yesterday evening in a humanitarian way.
Anyone who believes that you can sit out this problem is wrong.Anyone who believes that you can sit out this problem is wrong.
Austrian police spokesman Helmut Marban told reporters about 4,000 migrants had crossed into Austria from Hungary by mid-morning.Austrian police spokesman Helmut Marban told reporters about 4,000 migrants had crossed into Austria from Hungary by mid-morning.
Vienna official Wolfgan Mueller added that some 800 people had already arrived in Vienna and then left on Germany-bound trains. He estimated that about 3,000 migrants would come to Vienna from the border during Saturday.Vienna official Wolfgan Mueller added that some 800 people had already arrived in Vienna and then left on Germany-bound trains. He estimated that about 3,000 migrants would come to Vienna from the border during Saturday.
Updated at 10.00am BSTUpdated at 10.00am BST
9.47am BST09:479.47am BST09:47
More British people have now signed up to welcome Syrians into their homes than the 4,000 additional refugees David Cameron has pledged to resettle. The initiative, run by community campaign groups Citizens UK and Avaaz, the world’s largest and most powerful online activist network, has the backing of some thousands of people, including doctors, teachers, social workers, psychotherapists, counsellors and community organisers who have offered practical resettlement support. Click here for the latest number and to read comments from people on why they want to volunteer.More British people have now signed up to welcome Syrians into their homes than the 4,000 additional refugees David Cameron has pledged to resettle. The initiative, run by community campaign groups Citizens UK and Avaaz, the world’s largest and most powerful online activist network, has the backing of some thousands of people, including doctors, teachers, social workers, psychotherapists, counsellors and community organisers who have offered practical resettlement support. Click here for the latest number and to read comments from people on why they want to volunteer.
Avaaz is now calling on British MPs to hold a full day debate on the refugee crisis when they return to the Commons on Monday. The petition has been signed by 60,000 people so far and can be viewed here. Sam Barratt, Campaign Director at Avaaz, said:Avaaz is now calling on British MPs to hold a full day debate on the refugee crisis when they return to the Commons on Monday. The petition has been signed by 60,000 people so far and can be viewed here. Sam Barratt, Campaign Director at Avaaz, said:
This outpouring of public compassion shows the best of Britain, and has shamed the government into action. There is now one volunteer offering a room or assistance for every refugee David Cameron will allow into the country. Britain must take in tens of thousands urgently and support a comprehensive EU agreement.This outpouring of public compassion shows the best of Britain, and has shamed the government into action. There is now one volunteer offering a room or assistance for every refugee David Cameron will allow into the country. Britain must take in tens of thousands urgently and support a comprehensive EU agreement.
9.33am BST09:339.33am BST09:33
Last week, we reported that while British politicians debated whether the UK would accept more refugees from Syria, the British public made a decision that their help could wait no longer. A day after shocking pictures were published of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy whose lifeless body was washed up on a Turkish beach, tens of thousands of people across the country were signing petitions, donating to NGOs, preparing to drive truckloads of supplies to Calais or volunteering to take asylum-seekers into their homes.Last week, we reported that while British politicians debated whether the UK would accept more refugees from Syria, the British public made a decision that their help could wait no longer. A day after shocking pictures were published of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy whose lifeless body was washed up on a Turkish beach, tens of thousands of people across the country were signing petitions, donating to NGOs, preparing to drive truckloads of supplies to Calais or volunteering to take asylum-seekers into their homes.
Several major charities reported a big spike in calls and emails from people wanting to know how they could help. “The number is up more than 70% over the past 24 hours,” said Caroline Anning of Save the Children. “Most want to donate to refugee children: money, or time, or clothes or food. They were such compelling pictures, even when people are familiar with the broader refugee story.”Several major charities reported a big spike in calls and emails from people wanting to know how they could help. “The number is up more than 70% over the past 24 hours,” said Caroline Anning of Save the Children. “Most want to donate to refugee children: money, or time, or clothes or food. They were such compelling pictures, even when people are familiar with the broader refugee story.”
A spokeswoman for the British Red Cross said it too had received “many more calls” following the pictures’ publication.A spokeswoman for the British Red Cross said it too had received “many more calls” following the pictures’ publication.
The Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), whose independently-run rescue boats in the Mediterranean have saved more than 10,000 lives, said it had seen a 15-fold increase in donations in 24 hours.The Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), whose independently-run rescue boats in the Mediterranean have saved more than 10,000 lives, said it had seen a 15-fold increase in donations in 24 hours.
Many local refugee appeals also exceeded their targets many times over. The Coach and Horses pub in Soho set out to raise £5,000 “to give the Calais migrants a decent meal, because British values are about respect, dignity, kindness”; by Thursday night it had a total of nearly £7,000. KentforCalais, a local initiative in Gravesend, asked for £1,000 and got £10,000.Many local refugee appeals also exceeded their targets many times over. The Coach and Horses pub in Soho set out to raise £5,000 “to give the Calais migrants a decent meal, because British values are about respect, dignity, kindness”; by Thursday night it had a total of nearly £7,000. KentforCalais, a local initiative in Gravesend, asked for £1,000 and got £10,000.
Read more about those efforts below.Read more about those efforts below.
Related: Britons rally to help people fleeing war and terror in Middle EastRelated: Britons rally to help people fleeing war and terror in Middle East
Updated at 10.40am BSTUpdated at 10.40am BST
9.19am BST09:199.19am BST09:19
Patrick KingsleyPatrick Kingsley
The view Marwan had through the bus window was mainly of drizzle. His ‘seat’ was just a few inches of the step next to the bus door. He’d walked for much of Friday in the rain, and he hadn’t slept all night. And yet when dawn rose on Saturday he had significant cause to be cheerful. “I’m happy,” smiled the 19-year-old electrical engineering student. “Finally I’m getting out of Hungary.”The view Marwan had through the bus window was mainly of drizzle. His ‘seat’ was just a few inches of the step next to the bus door. He’d walked for much of Friday in the rain, and he hadn’t slept all night. And yet when dawn rose on Saturday he had significant cause to be cheerful. “I’m happy,” smiled the 19-year-old electrical engineering student. “Finally I’m getting out of Hungary.”
And Marwan was not the only one. After months of arresting refugees as they tried to cross Hungary, and after days of blocking them from trains to northern Europe, the Hungarian government finally agreed late on Friday night to take thousands of them in a convoy to the Austrian border. The first arrived at around 3am. But by 9am there were still dozens of co-opted blue commuter buses snaking their way through western Hungary, some still 60km from Austria.And Marwan was not the only one. After months of arresting refugees as they tried to cross Hungary, and after days of blocking them from trains to northern Europe, the Hungarian government finally agreed late on Friday night to take thousands of them in a convoy to the Austrian border. The first arrived at around 3am. But by 9am there were still dozens of co-opted blue commuter buses snaking their way through western Hungary, some still 60km from Austria.
The Hungarians were shamed into action after around a thousand people, frustrated at being banned from the trains, suddenly began marching on Friday from Budapest towards Austria. It was dubbed the March of Hope. But it ended in a more forlorn fashion, with a large crowd of refugees camped near a motorway under heavy rain.The Hungarians were shamed into action after around a thousand people, frustrated at being banned from the trains, suddenly began marching on Friday from Budapest towards Austria. It was dubbed the March of Hope. But it ended in a more forlorn fashion, with a large crowd of refugees camped near a motorway under heavy rain.
Embarrassed by the squalid scenes, or frustrated at the effect it had on traffic, officials finally caved, and sent a convoy of municipal buses to cart the sodden walkers the rest of the way to the border. But at the stragglers’ makeshift camp, the buses did not arrive until 4:45am, leaving its members shivering in the drizzle and darkness for more than six hours. Some of them only had shorts and t-shirts. “I just don’t understand,” said Marwan, who’s travelling with an Iraqi called Ahmad, who fled Isis-held Mosul last month. “We come from a country that has been torn apart by war. We’re not criminals and we don’t want to sabotage anything.”Embarrassed by the squalid scenes, or frustrated at the effect it had on traffic, officials finally caved, and sent a convoy of municipal buses to cart the sodden walkers the rest of the way to the border. But at the stragglers’ makeshift camp, the buses did not arrive until 4:45am, leaving its members shivering in the drizzle and darkness for more than six hours. Some of them only had shorts and t-shirts. “I just don’t understand,” said Marwan, who’s travelling with an Iraqi called Ahmad, who fled Isis-held Mosul last month. “We come from a country that has been torn apart by war. We’re not criminals and we don’t want to sabotage anything.”
Despite the presence of local volunteers, a less friendly sort of Hungarian regularly drives past. “I hope you die,” comes a familiar refrain from a passing car. “And your mother too.”Despite the presence of local volunteers, a less friendly sort of Hungarian regularly drives past. “I hope you die,” comes a familiar refrain from a passing car. “And your mother too.”
At last, just as the 100 shivering in the lay-by began to lose hope, a trio of coaches creaked to a halt. Earlier, some had said they wouldn’t get onboard, suspicious of a Hungarian administration that earlier this week took refugees to camps despite promising to take them to the border. “Who’s organising it, the Hungarians?” asked Ali, another Syrian, earlier in the night. “Forget it, I’m walking.”At last, just as the 100 shivering in the lay-by began to lose hope, a trio of coaches creaked to a halt. Earlier, some had said they wouldn’t get onboard, suspicious of a Hungarian administration that earlier this week took refugees to camps despite promising to take them to the border. “Who’s organising it, the Hungarians?” asked Ali, another Syrian, earlier in the night. “Forget it, I’m walking.”
But several hours later, almost everyone was too sodden and too tired to care. They squeezed into every available space in the buses, people standing in the aisles, sitting on the steps, and crushed against the doors.But several hours later, almost everyone was too sodden and too tired to care. They squeezed into every available space in the buses, people standing in the aisles, sitting on the steps, and crushed against the doors.
Within minutes a silence hung across the coach as most passengers fell asleep. For the Afghans, this would be their eighth border crossing since leaving home; for the Syrians, it would be the sixth. They were already shattered. But the tipping point has been Hungary, where they neither are welcomed, nor want to settle, and where all they are nevertheless inexplicably forced to spend the most time dealing with police and bureaucracy.Within minutes a silence hung across the coach as most passengers fell asleep. For the Afghans, this would be their eighth border crossing since leaving home; for the Syrians, it would be the sixth. They were already shattered. But the tipping point has been Hungary, where they neither are welcomed, nor want to settle, and where all they are nevertheless inexplicably forced to spend the most time dealing with police and bureaucracy.
When dawn breaks, the mood brightens slightly. In the daylight, people can see the land they’re passing, and Austria seems a tangible possibility. At every toilet break, the passengers disembark to see that their bus is just one part of a thin blue line of coaches that stretches into the distance. After days of limbo in camps and train stations of Hungary, this is visible proof that their departure is now an inevitability.When dawn breaks, the mood brightens slightly. In the daylight, people can see the land they’re passing, and Austria seems a tangible possibility. At every toilet break, the passengers disembark to see that their bus is just one part of a thin blue line of coaches that stretches into the distance. After days of limbo in camps and train stations of Hungary, this is visible proof that their departure is now an inevitability.
Even a temporary engine failure does not dampen their spirits. They use the time to take selfies outside the bus. Ahmad, who earlier was grumbling about the Hungarian police, now only has thoughts for the future. “The only thing that matters,” he says, is “that I’m going to Austria.”Even a temporary engine failure does not dampen their spirits. They use the time to take selfies outside the bus. Ahmad, who earlier was grumbling about the Hungarian police, now only has thoughts for the future. “The only thing that matters,” he says, is “that I’m going to Austria.”
8.46am BST08:468.46am BST08:46
The Guardian’s migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, was with the marchers overnight when they were finally picked up by buses. He reported that there had been initial confusion, then suspicion at where the marchers were being taken, but most of them eventually boarded the buses. Many smiled, bidding goodbye to Hungarian volunteers who had brought food and water in recent days.The Guardian’s migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, was with the marchers overnight when they were finally picked up by buses. He reported that there had been initial confusion, then suspicion at where the marchers were being taken, but most of them eventually boarded the buses. Many smiled, bidding goodbye to Hungarian volunteers who had brought food and water in recent days.
In Hungary, at one point along the road, a group of stragglers waited in the drizzle for a bus after falling behind the main pack of people who had set off on foot. “Some of them were vomiting,” said Kolozs, a 39-year-old Hungarian engineer who tied a blanket between a tree and a car to shelter the refugees. “They are women and children – I’m amazed they got this far.”In Hungary, at one point along the road, a group of stragglers waited in the drizzle for a bus after falling behind the main pack of people who had set off on foot. “Some of them were vomiting,” said Kolozs, a 39-year-old Hungarian engineer who tied a blanket between a tree and a car to shelter the refugees. “They are women and children – I’m amazed they got this far.”
Some people cruised past in cars shouting abuse, calling them “Saddam Hussein” and “scum”. The Syrians were restrained in response. “People are people,” said Manoli, a 19-year-old electrical engineering student. “You can’t convince some of them.”Some people cruised past in cars shouting abuse, calling them “Saddam Hussein” and “scum”. The Syrians were restrained in response. “People are people,” said Manoli, a 19-year-old electrical engineering student. “You can’t convince some of them.”
On board one of the buses to Austria, exhausted migrants veered between concern and relief. Many were nervous after Hungary tried to transport a trainload of migrants heading for Austria into a camp on Thursday. Others did not need to be asked twice.On board one of the buses to Austria, exhausted migrants veered between concern and relief. Many were nervous after Hungary tried to transport a trainload of migrants heading for Austria into a camp on Thursday. Others did not need to be asked twice.
v miserable situ for stragglers of Hungary's refugee March. they stopped 10km back. no buses for them. just rain pic.twitter.com/XMC1eXSOnOv miserable situ for stragglers of Hungary's refugee March. they stopped 10km back. no buses for them. just rain pic.twitter.com/XMC1eXSOnO
At 4;45am the buses for these people have finally arrived. everyone v cold and wet #hungarymarch pic.twitter.com/z61k8nRv7aAt 4;45am the buses for these people have finally arrived. everyone v cold and wet #hungarymarch pic.twitter.com/z61k8nRv7a
And the buses are off #hungary pic.twitter.com/jVwPOzhvq8And the buses are off #hungary pic.twitter.com/jVwPOzhvq8
Bus still 90 mins from border. Next to me is Ali, who escaped Mosul, & Marwan, whose home was destroyed in Deraa pic.twitter.com/TZyemSByqwBus still 90 mins from border. Next to me is Ali, who escaped Mosul, & Marwan, whose home was destroyed in Deraa pic.twitter.com/TZyemSByqw
This line of buses is still 60km from the Austrian border. #hungarymarch pic.twitter.com/wggtGgMapRThis line of buses is still 60km from the Austrian border. #hungarymarch pic.twitter.com/wggtGgMapR
8.46am BST08:468.46am BST08:46
Morning summaryMorning summary
Nadia KhomamiNadia Khomami
Welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the worst refugee crisis to have hit Europe since the second world war. As well as rolling news, we will be focusing on various fundraising efforts that are going on in the UK to help individuals and families who are making the journey, or are in various camps across the continent.Welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the worst refugee crisis to have hit Europe since the second world war. As well as rolling news, we will be focusing on various fundraising efforts that are going on in the UK to help individuals and families who are making the journey, or are in various camps across the continent.
On Friday, about 1,200 people left Budapest’s Keleti station in a sudden exodus when the Austrian and German governments agreed to receive them. These included the young and old, some in wheelchairs or on crutches, others barefoot, some with children in buggies, others with toddlers on their shoulders. They had been sleeping in the station for several days and were barred by authorities from boarding international trains. They set off westwards along the Hungarian M1 early on Friday evening, on foot and in cars, aiming to reach Vienna and Munich.On Friday, about 1,200 people left Budapest’s Keleti station in a sudden exodus when the Austrian and German governments agreed to receive them. These included the young and old, some in wheelchairs or on crutches, others barefoot, some with children in buggies, others with toddlers on their shoulders. They had been sleeping in the station for several days and were barred by authorities from boarding international trains. They set off westwards along the Hungarian M1 early on Friday evening, on foot and in cars, aiming to reach Vienna and Munich.
Later in the night, Hungarian authorities announced they would provide buses to take the refugees to the Austrian border and a further embarkation began in Budapest, where many were still camped. By 3am (local time) news channels and social media were showing images of people being met by Austrian authorities at the border town of Nickelsdorf as the first buses arrived. As dawn broke on Saturday, Austrian police said 2,000 people had arrived at the border, with many more likely to follow during the day. Trains were being laid on to take them from Nickelsdorf to Vienna.Later in the night, Hungarian authorities announced they would provide buses to take the refugees to the Austrian border and a further embarkation began in Budapest, where many were still camped. By 3am (local time) news channels and social media were showing images of people being met by Austrian authorities at the border town of Nickelsdorf as the first buses arrived. As dawn broke on Saturday, Austrian police said 2,000 people had arrived at the border, with many more likely to follow during the day. Trains were being laid on to take them from Nickelsdorf to Vienna.
Read our report of all that happened overnight below.Read our report of all that happened overnight below.
Related: First refugees arrive from Hungary after Austria and Germany open bordersRelated: First refugees arrive from Hungary after Austria and Germany open borders
Meanwile, here’s a roundup of all the other developments from yesterday:Meanwile, here’s a roundup of all the other developments from yesterday:
If you are out and about today and see any collections or fundraising efforts going on – or if you know of particularly interesting things people are doing to try to help – don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m available via email on nadia.khomami@theguardian.com, on Twitter @nadiakhomami, and I’ll be keeping an eye on your comments below the line (comments will open as soon as our moderators are available).If you are out and about today and see any collections or fundraising efforts going on – or if you know of particularly interesting things people are doing to try to help – don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m available via email on nadia.khomami@theguardian.com, on Twitter @nadiakhomami, and I’ll be keeping an eye on your comments below the line (comments will open as soon as our moderators are available).
Updated at 9.00am BSTUpdated at 9.00am BST