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Refugee crisis: 'Europe's biggest test since second world war' – live updates Refugee crisis: Cameron pledges help for 'thousands more; Syrians – live updates
(35 minutes later)
10.33am BST10:33
Our next refugee is Ashraf, a 17-year-old from Yemen, who spoke with Alexandra Topping in Bristol yesterday. Ashraf did not want his picture taken.
The nadir of the journey had come in Macedonia when the boys and two other friends were attacked by mafia.
They caught us and beat us up, they put a …”, here he mimics a man putting a gun to his head, “we gave everything, everything, phones, sleepings bags, all our money.
Sometimes along the way people would give us food and water. One week we ate a tub of nutella, just the nutella between four of us for a week. I survived. I made it here.”
Ashraf said he and his 14-year-old brother endured a journey that went Yemen-Turkey-Greece-Macedonia-Serbia-Hungary-Austrai-Germany-France before he arrived in the UK. Now Ashraf and his brother are with foster carers, who he says are very kind. He hopes to start college to learn English next week, and has joined a local boxing club.
I like Bristol a lot. I have made friends, they are nice people, everything is ok here. When I came here I was treated well. I can forget about all the past.
10.30am BST10:30
Cameron confirms help for 'thousands more'
David Cameron is making a speech in Lisbon. He confirms that Britain will do more to settle “thousands more” Syrian refugees. More details will be set out next week, he said.
“Britain will act with our head and our heart” he says and insists that the focus should be on ending the conflict in Syria.
10.22am BST10:22
The Slovenian President Borut Pahor has arrived in Budapest for talks on the migration crisis with Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban.
Before the meeting Orban said he feared Europeans becoming a “a minority in our own continent.”
“Today we are talking about tens of thousands but next year we will be talking about millions and this has no end,” he said (see earlier).
Updated at 10.25am BST
10.13am BST10:13
The UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, has expanded on his call for Europe to accept 200,000 more refugees.
In a statement he said: “The situation requires a massive common effort that is not possible with the current fragmented approach.”
He praised the “selfless generosity of private citizens and civil society organisations” but urged governments to do more and criticised Europe’s overall failure. “Europe is facing a moment of truth. This is the time to reaffirm the values upon which it was built,” he said. He urged European leaders remember these six fundamental points:
10.08am BST10:0810.08am BST10:08
What Syrians bring with them on their journey to EuropeWhat Syrians bring with them on their journey to Europe
Some refugees come to Europe with little more than the clothes they stand up in. Patrick Kingsley, the Guardian’s migration correspondent, has been asking some what they have brought with them on their journey of no return.Some refugees come to Europe with little more than the clothes they stand up in. Patrick Kingsley, the Guardian’s migration correspondent, has been asking some what they have brought with them on their journey of no return.
Patrick writes:Patrick writes:
Of all the bits and bobs crammed into 35-year-old former army officer Abu Jana’s bag, little says as much about his trip as the laser pen. The lemons suggest he expects to get seasick: his wife reckons the bitter juice will ward off the worst of the nausea. The plastic bag and the roll of tape mean he expects to get splashed: together they’ll make a watertight pocket to hold his documents.But the laser pen tells us that he knows he risks drowning. If in the dead of night, he is bobbing around in the waves, he wants passing ships to be able to find him – which is where a green laser might come in useful. “Maybe someone can see it, and could help us,” he says.Of all the bits and bobs crammed into 35-year-old former army officer Abu Jana’s bag, little says as much about his trip as the laser pen. The lemons suggest he expects to get seasick: his wife reckons the bitter juice will ward off the worst of the nausea. The plastic bag and the roll of tape mean he expects to get splashed: together they’ll make a watertight pocket to hold his documents.But the laser pen tells us that he knows he risks drowning. If in the dead of night, he is bobbing around in the waves, he wants passing ships to be able to find him – which is where a green laser might come in useful. “Maybe someone can see it, and could help us,” he says.
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The Hungarian police force has put out a new video showing the arrest of a man charged with smuggling a Syrian family into Hungary. It said the family of six “illegal immigrants” paid the man €200 each to reach Budapest. The 37-year-old man referred to as “Elek” was arrested on motorway in Domaszék. The family are shown being driven away.The Hungarian police force has put out a new video showing the arrest of a man charged with smuggling a Syrian family into Hungary. It said the family of six “illegal immigrants” paid the man €200 each to reach Budapest. The 37-year-old man referred to as “Elek” was arrested on motorway in Domaszék. The family are shown being driven away.
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And just to put that chart in context for a quick moment - this is how Europe compares to other countries that have taken in Syrians since the civil war erupted in 2011And just to put that chart in context for a quick moment - this is how Europe compares to other countries that have taken in Syrians since the civil war erupted in 2011
9.49am BST09:499.49am BST09:49
Europe is trying to thrash out how to share out thousands of needy refugees among 28 member states. David Cameron is expected later today to indicate what Britain will do to increase its rather modest intake so far.Europe is trying to thrash out how to share out thousands of needy refugees among 28 member states. David Cameron is expected later today to indicate what Britain will do to increase its rather modest intake so far.
Meanwhile Ireland’s prime minister Enda Kenny has said this morning that it may accept up to 2,000 additional refugees, even though like the UK it would not be obliged to do so under an EU-wide deal because it has an opt-out, Henry McDonald reports.Meanwhile Ireland’s prime minister Enda Kenny has said this morning that it may accept up to 2,000 additional refugees, even though like the UK it would not be obliged to do so under an EU-wide deal because it has an opt-out, Henry McDonald reports.
“Ireland can cope with more than already taken,” the Taoiseach said. The Irish Premier also criticised his Hungarian counterpart over his warnings about Muslims overwhelming Europe and threatening its Christian roots.Kenny added: “One of the founding principles of the EU is the free movement of people, we respect that absolutely and completely.“That movement has to be irrespective of colour or creed, I disagree with the emphasis that Viktor Orban has put on that.”“Ireland can cope with more than already taken,” the Taoiseach said. The Irish Premier also criticised his Hungarian counterpart over his warnings about Muslims overwhelming Europe and threatening its Christian roots.Kenny added: “One of the founding principles of the EU is the free movement of people, we respect that absolutely and completely.“That movement has to be irrespective of colour or creed, I disagree with the emphasis that Viktor Orban has put on that.”
Ireland and the UK have a long way to go to reach parity with some of Europe’s more generous nations such as Sweden and Germany, as this chart shows:Ireland and the UK have a long way to go to reach parity with some of Europe’s more generous nations such as Sweden and Germany, as this chart shows:
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We want to hear experiences from refugees who’ve made the journey across the Mediterranean this summer as well as their friends and families. You can share them with us via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056 and starting your message with refugees, or by contributing to GuardianWitness.We want to hear experiences from refugees who’ve made the journey across the Mediterranean this summer as well as their friends and families. You can share them with us via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056 and starting your message with refugees, or by contributing to GuardianWitness.
We also want to hear from you if you’ve been involved in supporting or organising help for refugees. Share your story here and we will feature some of your experiences in our reporting.We also want to hear from you if you’ve been involved in supporting or organising help for refugees. Share your story here and we will feature some of your experiences in our reporting.
9.38am BST09:389.38am BST09:38
Helena Smith has been on the beaches of southern Turkey writing about the tragedy of the Kurdi family this week. This morning, she reports that the bodies of the Syrian toddler, Aylan Kurdi, and his brother and mother are now making their final journey home to Kobani:Helena Smith has been on the beaches of southern Turkey writing about the tragedy of the Kurdi family this week. This morning, she reports that the bodies of the Syrian toddler, Aylan Kurdi, and his brother and mother are now making their final journey home to Kobani:
Accompanied by Abdullah Kurdi, the sole survivor of the tragedy that has encapsulated the enormous risks refugees are now taking to reach Europe, the caskets of the three drowned Syrians were flown from Istanbul to the southeastern Turkish town of Urfa this morning.Accompanied by Abdullah Kurdi, the sole survivor of the tragedy that has encapsulated the enormous risks refugees are now taking to reach Europe, the caskets of the three drowned Syrians were flown from Istanbul to the southeastern Turkish town of Urfa this morning.
From there, they will be taken to Kobani for burial this weekend. Speaking to reporters in the Mugla on Thursday, where forensic pathologists conducted autopsies on 12 Syrians who lost their lives attempting to reach the Greek island of Kos in the early hours of Wednesday, Abdullah said: “I don’t want anything else from the world. Everything I was dreaming of is gone. I want to bury my children and sit beside them until they die.”From there, they will be taken to Kobani for burial this weekend. Speaking to reporters in the Mugla on Thursday, where forensic pathologists conducted autopsies on 12 Syrians who lost their lives attempting to reach the Greek island of Kos in the early hours of Wednesday, Abdullah said: “I don’t want anything else from the world. Everything I was dreaming of is gone. I want to bury my children and sit beside them until they die.”
On Thursday, Nilufer Demir, the Turkish photographer who took the pictures of Aylan on the beach, said while she wished she had never taken it she hoped it had given voice to the thousands who daily risk their lives to get to the west.On Thursday, Nilufer Demir, the Turkish photographer who took the pictures of Aylan on the beach, said while she wished she had never taken it she hoped it had given voice to the thousands who daily risk their lives to get to the west.
Oguz Poyraz, who runs Bodrum’s local television station, said no other image had so “summed up” the grave dangers now being experienced by thousands on refugees in the otherwise emerald waters of Turkey’s enchanting shores.Oguz Poyraz, who runs Bodrum’s local television station, said no other image had so “summed up” the grave dangers now being experienced by thousands on refugees in the otherwise emerald waters of Turkey’s enchanting shores.
“For seven months, now, we have been reporting on this crisis and nobody has listened,” Poyraz, who presides over the Kent media group, said. “Every night there are literally hundreds getting in boats on our shores in a bid to reach Greece. This picture, so tragic and so true, has summed it up like never before. Hopefully now the world will listen.”“For seven months, now, we have been reporting on this crisis and nobody has listened,” Poyraz, who presides over the Kent media group, said. “Every night there are literally hundreds getting in boats on our shores in a bid to reach Greece. This picture, so tragic and so true, has summed it up like never before. Hopefully now the world will listen.”
Updated at 9.41am BST Updated at 10.17am BST
9.37am BST09:379.37am BST09:37
Matthew Taylor, who has reported on the situation in Calais extensively over the past year says the size of the makeshift migrant camp is growing.Matthew Taylor, who has reported on the situation in Calais extensively over the past year says the size of the makeshift migrant camp is growing.
The camp, known as the jungle, has grown since my last visit a couple of weeks ago with scores of new tents and wood framed shacks crowded onto scrubland a couple of miles outside the town.The camp, known as the jungle, has grown since my last visit a couple of weeks ago with scores of new tents and wood framed shacks crowded onto scrubland a couple of miles outside the town.
Approaching the Jungle there was also evidence of the authorities’ security drive with miles of new security fencing lining the motorways around the camp, EuroTunnel and port.Approaching the Jungle there was also evidence of the authorities’ security drive with miles of new security fencing lining the motorways around the camp, EuroTunnel and port.
But this morning as people began to emerge from there tents it did not seem that these measures were putting off many new arrivals.But this morning as people began to emerge from there tents it did not seem that these measures were putting off many new arrivals.
Muhammed, 46, from Darfur in Sudan, arrived yesterday. Waiting in line at one of the jungles water points this morning he described his journey. “I left in January and crossed the desert then the sea. It was very dangerous, many did not make it,” he said.Muhammed, 46, from Darfur in Sudan, arrived yesterday. Waiting in line at one of the jungles water points this morning he described his journey. “I left in January and crossed the desert then the sea. It was very dangerous, many did not make it,” he said.
Asked why he left Sudan he said: “I had no choice the government made it difficult for my family. My wife is here too. We just want somewhere safe... Maybe we can stay in France. We are going to try.”Asked why he left Sudan he said: “I had no choice the government made it difficult for my family. My wife is here too. We just want somewhere safe... Maybe we can stay in France. We are going to try.”
Parts of the jungle have flooded by recent heavy rain and many people complained conditions were worsening.Parts of the jungle have flooded by recent heavy rain and many people complained conditions were worsening.
“It is getting cooler at night and everything is wet,” said Adil, 21, from Sudan. “People are trying but it is difficult living like this.”“It is getting cooler at night and everything is wet,” said Adil, 21, from Sudan. “People are trying but it is difficult living like this.”
Updated at 9.42am BSTUpdated at 9.42am BST
9.31am BST09:319.31am BST09:31
The eye of the refugee storm has moved, over the past 12 months, from Italy and Greece north to Germany, where heroic attempts to make refugees welcome have been tempered by occasional outbreaks of hostility towards new arrivals. Josie le Blond, reports on the latest this morning from Berlin:The eye of the refugee storm has moved, over the past 12 months, from Italy and Greece north to Germany, where heroic attempts to make refugees welcome have been tempered by occasional outbreaks of hostility towards new arrivals. Josie le Blond, reports on the latest this morning from Berlin:
Five injured in refugee hostel blazeFive injured in refugee hostel blaze
Five people were injured, one seriously, in a fire at a refugee home overnight in western Germany. One man was seriously hurt jumping out of a second floor window to escape the blaze, others were being treated for smoke inhalation. Police are still investigating the cause of the fire, which broke out at around 1.30 am in the centre in Heppenheim south of Frankfurt. The shelter was housing more than 60 refugees from Syria, Iraq, Eritrea, and Somalia. Fire fighters said the fire has left the building uninhabitable. Over 250 attacks on refugee homes have been registered in Germany this year, but this is the first to cause injuries.Five people were injured, one seriously, in a fire at a refugee home overnight in western Germany. One man was seriously hurt jumping out of a second floor window to escape the blaze, others were being treated for smoke inhalation. Police are still investigating the cause of the fire, which broke out at around 1.30 am in the centre in Heppenheim south of Frankfurt. The shelter was housing more than 60 refugees from Syria, Iraq, Eritrea, and Somalia. Fire fighters said the fire has left the building uninhabitable. Over 250 attacks on refugee homes have been registered in Germany this year, but this is the first to cause injuries.
300,000 extra homes needed?300,000 extra homes needed?
Germany will need to find hundreds of thousands of extra homes for refugees every year, authorities estimated on Friday. With winter approaching fast, an accommodation crisis is already looming in many German regions, where many refugees have been put up in temporary outdoor shelters. To address this, Germany will need to build an extra 300,000 homes every year for the foreseeable future Eva Lohse, president of the German Association of Cities and Towns told the Rheinische Post newspaper on Friday. Germany estimates it will see over 800,000 refugees apply for asylum by the end of the year.Germany will need to find hundreds of thousands of extra homes for refugees every year, authorities estimated on Friday. With winter approaching fast, an accommodation crisis is already looming in many German regions, where many refugees have been put up in temporary outdoor shelters. To address this, Germany will need to build an extra 300,000 homes every year for the foreseeable future Eva Lohse, president of the German Association of Cities and Towns told the Rheinische Post newspaper on Friday. Germany estimates it will see over 800,000 refugees apply for asylum by the end of the year.
9.26am BST09:269.26am BST09:26
The Hungarian Police force has put out video showing migrants and asylum seekers refusing offers of food and water at Bicske railway station. Men are shown throwing and kicking packs of bottled water onto the track. Some of the children accept packets of food from police women dressed in surgical masks, but men refuse to take the packs.The Hungarian Police force has put out video showing migrants and asylum seekers refusing offers of food and water at Bicske railway station. Men are shown throwing and kicking packs of bottled water onto the track. Some of the children accept packets of food from police women dressed in surgical masks, but men refuse to take the packs.
9.16am BST09:169.16am BST09:16
Differing comments from Tory MPs demonstrate the pressure David Cameron is under. Some in his party want him to continue to refuse to increase the number of asylum seekers Britain accepts, while others want him to show more compassion.Differing comments from Tory MPs demonstrate the pressure David Cameron is under. Some in his party want him to continue to refuse to increase the number of asylum seekers Britain accepts, while others want him to show more compassion.
Our immigration policy must be decided by reason – not by photos and hashtags says @PaulGoodmanCH I agree. http://t.co/arJ5tUO7bmOur immigration policy must be decided by reason – not by photos and hashtags says @PaulGoodmanCH I agree. http://t.co/arJ5tUO7bm
Proud that PM @David_Cameron to announce UK will do our bit for Syrian refugees. #CompassionateCons. Refugees not same as economic migrants.Proud that PM @David_Cameron to announce UK will do our bit for Syrian refugees. #CompassionateCons. Refugees not same as economic migrants.
9.06am BST09:069.06am BST09:06
Patrick KingsleyPatrick Kingsley
Patrick Kingsley reports on people from Eritrea taking their first steps in Europe as a rescue boat with 993 people on board docks in Italy.Patrick Kingsley reports on people from Eritrea taking their first steps in Europe as a rescue boat with 993 people on board docks in Italy.
Italian police and @frontexeu on the boat. Conducting a cack-handed search. Separating Eritrean Arabic speakers from the rest.Italian police and @frontexeu on the boat. Conducting a cack-handed search. Separating Eritrean Arabic speakers from the rest.
Arabic-speaking Eritreans booted off the boat first. @MSF_Sea want nothing to do with this pic.twitter.com/NbicY0Nh5vArabic-speaking Eritreans booted off the boat first. @MSF_Sea want nothing to do with this pic.twitter.com/NbicY0Nh5v
First you get numbered. Immediately quantified. Then someone takes your temperature. pic.twitter.com/tyqpvKCF1oFirst you get numbered. Immediately quantified. Then someone takes your temperature. pic.twitter.com/tyqpvKCF1o
Then a health team checks your glands. pic.twitter.com/rcGpYIs0BZThen a health team checks your glands. pic.twitter.com/rcGpYIs0BZ
Then it's off to the buses, and then to a camp pic.twitter.com/LIhN4K9RiIThen it's off to the buses, and then to a camp pic.twitter.com/LIhN4K9RiI
The view onboard. The boat rescued 993 ppl. 130 were offloaded to an Italian boat a day ago. Still a while to wait pic.twitter.com/6sspEgajVFThe view onboard. The boat rescued 993 ppl. 130 were offloaded to an Italian boat a day ago. Still a while to wait pic.twitter.com/6sspEgajVF
Yes. A morgue. They've had to carry back corpses before. But not this time. Meanwhile, here's a birdseye of the shore pic.twitter.com/1NkAZLZMjuYes. A morgue. They've had to carry back corpses before. But not this time. Meanwhile, here's a birdseye of the shore pic.twitter.com/1NkAZLZMju
8.55am BST08:558.55am BST08:55
Putin blames US foreign policy in the Middle EastPutin blames US foreign policy in the Middle East
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has blamed the crisis on the US policies in the Middle East, according to the Russian news agency Tass.Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has blamed the crisis on the US policies in the Middle East, according to the Russian news agency Tass.
It reported him saying that the crisis is rooted in the wrong foreign policy that the West and namely the United States conducts in the Middle East and Northern Africa.It reported him saying that the crisis is rooted in the wrong foreign policy that the West and namely the United States conducts in the Middle East and Northern Africa.
Putin is quoted as saying: “What is this policy about? This is imposing its standards without taking into consideration historic, religious, national and cultural specifics of these regions. This is first of all, the policy of our American partners.”Putin is quoted as saying: “What is this policy about? This is imposing its standards without taking into consideration historic, religious, national and cultural specifics of these regions. This is first of all, the policy of our American partners.”
Tass added: Putin said he was surprised how the US mass media criticise Europe for cruelty against migrants. He stressed that the US is not affected by this migrant flow while Europe, which blindly follows Washington’s instructions, suffers the most.Tass added: Putin said he was surprised how the US mass media criticise Europe for cruelty against migrants. He stressed that the US is not affected by this migrant flow while Europe, which blindly follows Washington’s instructions, suffers the most.
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Refugees faces fordmidable adversaries on the route to Europe, from the waves of the Mediterranean to the police forces of the Balkans and central Europe, as our next interviewee, a 25-year-old Syrian called Fade, tells Sofia Papadopolou, a Guardian contributor based in Thessaloniki.Refugees faces fordmidable adversaries on the route to Europe, from the waves of the Mediterranean to the police forces of the Balkans and central Europe, as our next interviewee, a 25-year-old Syrian called Fade, tells Sofia Papadopolou, a Guardian contributor based in Thessaloniki.
The hardest thing of the trip was when we had to take the boat from the Turkish to the Greek coast. We were 11 people squeezed on a small rubber boat, no longer than 3.5 meters long. There was a young boy with us and you could easily recognise fear in his eyes. I kept watching him all through the journey and he was looking right back at me as if he was telling me: “please, don’t let me die here”. Waves kept crashing into the boat and the only thing on my mind at that time was how I could save him or keep him warm if things went wrong…”The hardest thing of the trip was when we had to take the boat from the Turkish to the Greek coast. We were 11 people squeezed on a small rubber boat, no longer than 3.5 meters long. There was a young boy with us and you could easily recognise fear in his eyes. I kept watching him all through the journey and he was looking right back at me as if he was telling me: “please, don’t let me die here”. Waves kept crashing into the boat and the only thing on my mind at that time was how I could save him or keep him warm if things went wrong…”
If the sea was bad, the reception in Europe was not much better.If the sea was bad, the reception in Europe was not much better.
“We were walking for about three hours through Hungary when we suddenly saw the police. We started running into the forest and hided ourselves behind the trees. We managed to escape and somehow we made it to Budapest. From there, I took the train to Munich but in Austria the police caught me and they sent me to prison. I stayed in for two days and then I was sent back to Hungary. I had to spend two more days imprisoned there before they let me go. This time though I didn’t take the train. I took a taxi so as to be safe”.“We were walking for about three hours through Hungary when we suddenly saw the police. We started running into the forest and hided ourselves behind the trees. We managed to escape and somehow we made it to Budapest. From there, I took the train to Munich but in Austria the police caught me and they sent me to prison. I stayed in for two days and then I was sent back to Hungary. I had to spend two more days imprisoned there before they let me go. This time though I didn’t take the train. I took a taxi so as to be safe”.
Fade finally made it to Germany but he didn’t have enough money to continue his journey so he decided to show up at a police station.Fade finally made it to Germany but he didn’t have enough money to continue his journey so he decided to show up at a police station.
I told them that I am a Syrian and I need help. They sent me to the central camp in Frankfurt, where I am now, waiting for my new life to start”.I told them that I am a Syrian and I need help. They sent me to the central camp in Frankfurt, where I am now, waiting for my new life to start”.
Fade had to take a difficult and dangerous trip to Europe but when asked If he would do it all over again if he had to, he says “yes” with no hesitation.Fade had to take a difficult and dangerous trip to Europe but when asked If he would do it all over again if he had to, he says “yes” with no hesitation.
The only thing I would change is the boat trip from the Turkish to the Greek coast. It was a nightmare. I saw death there and I would never want to live such a moment this again in my life”.The only thing I would change is the boat trip from the Turkish to the Greek coast. It was a nightmare. I saw death there and I would never want to live such a moment this again in my life”.
Updated at 8.46am BSTUpdated at 8.46am BST
8.39am BST08:398.39am BST08:39
The Guardian’s Emma Graham-Harrison has been speaking to some of the hundreds of people at Budapest’s Keleti station trying to get to Germany.The Guardian’s Emma Graham-Harrison has been speaking to some of the hundreds of people at Budapest’s Keleti station trying to get to Germany.
"My family is waiting for me." One of hundreds trapped in Budapest station pic.twitter.com/DxswbUhr5f"My family is waiting for me." One of hundreds trapped in Budapest station pic.twitter.com/DxswbUhr5f
8.34am BST08:348.34am BST08:34
Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has called for a “paradigm shift” in Britain’s response to the crisis.Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has called for a “paradigm shift” in Britain’s response to the crisis.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 Today’s programme after meeting the Pope to discuss the issue, Mirvis said: “We have a responsibility now because currently there are tens of thousands of people who are knocking on the door of Europe. And if we don’t do something in this humanitarian crisis, God forbid, there will be a deeper loss of life.”Speaking to BBC Radio 4 Today’s programme after meeting the Pope to discuss the issue, Mirvis said: “We have a responsibility now because currently there are tens of thousands of people who are knocking on the door of Europe. And if we don’t do something in this humanitarian crisis, God forbid, there will be a deeper loss of life.”
Pressed on how the government should respond, Mirvis said: “What I am saying is there needs to be a paradigm shift with regard to mindset. For far too long we have related to these suffering individuals as if they are people who are living on Mars. Thanks to that desperately sad and tragic image [of Aylan Kurdi’s body] it has moved our hearts. When we heard that 70 people lost their lives in a truck it didn’t do the trick. It is the image of that boy which has brought us to our senses. And now we desperately need to respond adequately ...Pressed on how the government should respond, Mirvis said: “What I am saying is there needs to be a paradigm shift with regard to mindset. For far too long we have related to these suffering individuals as if they are people who are living on Mars. Thanks to that desperately sad and tragic image [of Aylan Kurdi’s body] it has moved our hearts. When we heard that 70 people lost their lives in a truck it didn’t do the trick. It is the image of that boy which has brought us to our senses. And now we desperately need to respond adequately ...
“It is not for me to be prescribing numbers. We definitely need to do far more.”“It is not for me to be prescribing numbers. We definitely need to do far more.”
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Orban: 'Europeans risk becoming a minority'Orban: 'Europeans risk becoming a minority'
Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, remains defiant on his country’s hardline anti-immigrant stance, with a waring that Europeans risk becoming a minority on their own continent.Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, remains defiant on his country’s hardline anti-immigrant stance, with a waring that Europeans risk becoming a minority on their own continent.
“The reality is that Europe is threatened by a mass inflow of people, many tens of millions of people could come to Europe,” Reuters quoted in telling a public radio station.“The reality is that Europe is threatened by a mass inflow of people, many tens of millions of people could come to Europe,” Reuters quoted in telling a public radio station.
He added: “Now we talk about hundreds of thousands but next year we will talk about millions and there is no end to this. All of a sudden we will see that we are in minority in our own continent.”He added: “Now we talk about hundreds of thousands but next year we will talk about millions and there is no end to this. All of a sudden we will see that we are in minority in our own continent.”
“Hungary cannot ignore Schengen rules in its procedures,” said Orban, referring to Europe’s zone of passport-free travel.“Hungary cannot ignore Schengen rules in its procedures,” said Orban, referring to Europe’s zone of passport-free travel.
“Migrants must cooperate with Hungarian authorities, with the German authorities and if Germany wants to admit Syrians, it should issue permission for them to go into Germany.”“Migrants must cooperate with Hungarian authorities, with the German authorities and if Germany wants to admit Syrians, it should issue permission for them to go into Germany.”
Orban said the new measures being debated by parliament would be implemented later this month.Orban said the new measures being debated by parliament would be implemented later this month.
“Everyone should be prepared for this: Serbia, Macedonia, the immigrants, the human traffickers. We ourselves will prepare for this, and a different era will start from 15 September.”“Everyone should be prepared for this: Serbia, Macedonia, the immigrants, the human traffickers. We ourselves will prepare for this, and a different era will start from 15 September.”
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Through the day we’ll be hearing from individual refugees about their extraordinary journeys. Some, like the Kurdi family, risked all in hopeless boats. Others have walked the length of countries and haven’t slept in a bed for months.Through the day we’ll be hearing from individual refugees about their extraordinary journeys. Some, like the Kurdi family, risked all in hopeless boats. Others have walked the length of countries and haven’t slept in a bed for months.
Mohamad Hesham Moadamani’s tale is instructive. The 24-year-old Syrian spent six hours trying to swim from Turkey to Greece before being rescued by a boat. It was just the beginning, as he told Kate Connolly, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.Mohamad Hesham Moadamani’s tale is instructive. The 24-year-old Syrian spent six hours trying to swim from Turkey to Greece before being rescued by a boat. It was just the beginning, as he told Kate Connolly, the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent.
They gave us papers and we went to Athens and from there to Thessaloniki. From there we had a long walk. We reached the Macedonian border at 3am. Our feet were really cut and sore.They gave us papers and we went to Athens and from there to Thessaloniki. From there we had a long walk. We reached the Macedonian border at 3am. Our feet were really cut and sore.
We managed to get into Serbia and from there had to think of how we’d cross Hungary without being obliged to apply for asylum there.We managed to get into Serbia and from there had to think of how we’d cross Hungary without being obliged to apply for asylum there.
We booked tickets for a bus to the border. After spending a night in the forest, we changed into fresh clothes so we wouldn’t look like migrants. But we were picked up by the Hungarian police and taken to jail in Budapest. That night they let us go.We booked tickets for a bus to the border. After spending a night in the forest, we changed into fresh clothes so we wouldn’t look like migrants. But we were picked up by the Hungarian police and taken to jail in Budapest. That night they let us go.
A taxi agreed to take us for €500 per person from Budapest to Germany. After two hours we were in Germany. After just a few metres we were met by the police, who immediately arrested our drivers and asked us: “Are you Syrians?” We said yes we are. “You are welcome to Germany,” they told us. They were smiling and I felt relaxed and safe. Finally I’m in Germany, living in Lübeck and waiting to get a residency permit and to start learning German so that I can pursue my education and find better opportunities.A taxi agreed to take us for €500 per person from Budapest to Germany. After two hours we were in Germany. After just a few metres we were met by the police, who immediately arrested our drivers and asked us: “Are you Syrians?” We said yes we are. “You are welcome to Germany,” they told us. They were smiling and I felt relaxed and safe. Finally I’m in Germany, living in Lübeck and waiting to get a residency permit and to start learning German so that I can pursue my education and find better opportunities.
8.07am BST08:078.07am BST08:07
Patrick KingsleyPatrick Kingsley
Our migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, has set out 10 ways to manage the crisis. Here’s the first:Our migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, has set out 10 ways to manage the crisis. Here’s the first:
1) Establish a standard asylum procedure across Europe1) Establish a standard asylum procedure across Europe
The reason this summer’s migration crisis has slowly spread from the islands of Greece to the sports halls of Germany, via Austria’s motorways and Hungary’s train stations, is because some European countries treat refugees more humanely than others. As a result, refugees are aiming for the places that will give them the most stability. Sweden offers indefinite residence to Syrians, while other nations don’t, for instance, while some countries are faster at reuniting children with parents who have gone on ahead to seek asylum.The reason this summer’s migration crisis has slowly spread from the islands of Greece to the sports halls of Germany, via Austria’s motorways and Hungary’s train stations, is because some European countries treat refugees more humanely than others. As a result, refugees are aiming for the places that will give them the most stability. Sweden offers indefinite residence to Syrians, while other nations don’t, for instance, while some countries are faster at reuniting children with parents who have gone on ahead to seek asylum.
So the best way to ensure refugees don’t hop between European countries is not to build fences, which encourages more dangerous forms of smuggling, but to ensure that the asylum system in every EU state operates to the same high standards, gives refugees the same level of benefits and grants the same length of residency. A common policy would also ensure that refugees were distributed proportionally throughout the EU. As it is some countries, particularly Greece and Italy, share a disproportionately large of the burden of the crisis.So the best way to ensure refugees don’t hop between European countries is not to build fences, which encourages more dangerous forms of smuggling, but to ensure that the asylum system in every EU state operates to the same high standards, gives refugees the same level of benefits and grants the same length of residency. A common policy would also ensure that refugees were distributed proportionally throughout the EU. As it is some countries, particularly Greece and Italy, share a disproportionately large of the burden of the crisis.
But such a move would be resisted by most European countries as many politicians believe it would cost them political capital at home.But such a move would be resisted by most European countries as many politicians believe it would cost them political capital at home.
Read the other nine suggestions here.Read the other nine suggestions here.
Updated at 8.09am BSTUpdated at 8.09am BST
8.02am BST08:028.02am BST08:02
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed “the whole Western world” for the drowning of Aylan Kurdi and his family. In an interview with CNN he said:Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed “the whole Western world” for the drowning of Aylan Kurdi and his family. In an interview with CNN he said:
“To be honest, the whole Western world is to be blamed in my opinion on this issue. When I saw that picture, it was in a family setting, unfortunately, and my children and my grandchildren, they saw the picture at the same time as me.”“To be honest, the whole Western world is to be blamed in my opinion on this issue. When I saw that picture, it was in a family setting, unfortunately, and my children and my grandchildren, they saw the picture at the same time as me.”
“When we saw it, we were devastated and we asked the question of ourselves: Where is humanity? Where is the conscience of humanity that a child – and it’s not the first time this is happening. ... Many children, mothers, fathers unfortunately have been drowned in the rough waters of the Mediterranean.”“When we saw it, we were devastated and we asked the question of ourselves: Where is humanity? Where is the conscience of humanity that a child – and it’s not the first time this is happening. ... Many children, mothers, fathers unfortunately have been drowned in the rough waters of the Mediterranean.”
Updated at 8.03am BSTUpdated at 8.03am BST
7.44am BST07:447.44am BST07:44
Welcome to special live coverage of Europe’s deepening migration crisis amid an increasingly fraught debate about how to tackle it, and dire warnings about the scale of the problem.Welcome to special live coverage of Europe’s deepening migration crisis amid an increasingly fraught debate about how to tackle it, and dire warnings about the scale of the problem.
We will have regular updates on the unfolding crisis from our team of reporters dispatched to various flashpoints across Europe. We’ll hear from our migration correspondent Patrick Kingsley on his way to southern Italy after a stint on a Mediterranean rescue boat; Matthew Taylor on his latest trip to Calais; Phoebe Greenwood with video updates from Munich on the grass roots campaigns offering help; Dan Nolan in Bickse where the Hungarian authorities are in a standoff with hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers trying to get to Germany; and Helena Smith in Kos the Greek island which three-year-old Aylan Kurdi was trying to reach when he drowned along with his brother and mother.We will have regular updates on the unfolding crisis from our team of reporters dispatched to various flashpoints across Europe. We’ll hear from our migration correspondent Patrick Kingsley on his way to southern Italy after a stint on a Mediterranean rescue boat; Matthew Taylor on his latest trip to Calais; Phoebe Greenwood with video updates from Munich on the grass roots campaigns offering help; Dan Nolan in Bickse where the Hungarian authorities are in a standoff with hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers trying to get to Germany; and Helena Smith in Kos the Greek island which three-year-old Aylan Kurdi was trying to reach when he drowned along with his brother and mother.
The crisis is set to dominate a series of high level European meetings today, including a gathering of the prime ministers of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and David Cameron’s meeting with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy. Our political correspondent Nicholas Watt is travelling with the prime minister.The crisis is set to dominate a series of high level European meetings today, including a gathering of the prime ministers of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and David Cameron’s meeting with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy. Our political correspondent Nicholas Watt is travelling with the prime minister.
Meanwile, here’s a roundup of the latest developments:Meanwile, here’s a roundup of the latest developments: