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Refugee crisis: EU quota plan details emerge as France considers Syria strikes - live Refugee crisis: EU quota plan details emerge as France considers Syria strikes - live
(35 minutes later)
1.24pm BST13:24
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, has urged Catholics in England and Wales to respond to the crisis with “practical action” and promised the church will issue guidance on how people can help.
In a statement he said:
“We urge government to respond positively to this crisis and to provide the necessary resources and funding to ensure the effective reception and long-term resettlement of these desperate people. We will work with both government and other responsible authorities to meet this grave challenge.
“We invite all Catholics to respond in prayer and in real, practical action. It is my hope to join the prayer vigil which is taking place outside Westminster Cathedral tomorrow night.
“Guidance will follow shortly on how the Catholic community in England and Wales can practically respond to this refugee crisis.”
On the subject of candle lit vigils GuardianWitness have a callout on the #LightTheDark candlelit vigils being held across Australia. Here’s a sample of contributions so far.
Lighting the dark in Adelaide tonight #LightTheDark
Sent via Guardian Witness
By Weishaupt
7 September 2015, 12:00
#NooneIsIllegal
#refugeeswelcome #LightTheDark
Sent via Guardian Witness
By Tanyia Maxted-Jamieson
7 September 2015, 12:40
Updated at 1.26pm BST
1.18pm BST13:18
Ian Traynor
The Guardian’s Europe editor, Ian Traynor, rounds up the latest diplomatic developments on the crisis:
French president François Hollande has called for a Paris summit of European leaders to tackle the refugee crisis. He said Europe’s passport-free Schengen zone could not survive without a new system of binding quotas for sharing newcomers, and said France has agreed to take 24,000 people under a new EU scheme.
Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, is to outline a new three-pillar system for dealing with refugees on Wednesday in a speech to the European parliament. He will propose the obligatory sharing of 160,000 asylum-seekers moved from Italy, Greece, and Hungary across the rest of the EU, although the countries of eastern Europe are bitterly opposed to being forced to accept refugees.
The eastern Europeans will be offered the option of buying themselves a year’s grace, delaying acceptance of their quota in return for returning money to EU coffers. It is not clear whether they will accept. Under the quotas, Germany, France, and Spain are to take around half of the total, although Madrid is also balking.
Britain and Denmark do not need to take part in the new scheme.
The Juncker proposals will also effectively put EU agencies in charge of registering and fingerprinting newcomers in Italy and Greece, taking on powers previously reserved for national governments. This is being pushed by Germany, which is furious that for two years the Greeks and Italians have been deliberately not registering people to avoid having to take them back from other EU countries.
Juncker is also to table a list of agreed so-called safe countries of origin, replacing the patchwork of different national lists with a standardised number of countries accepted across the EU. This will be politically divisive. It will apply mostly to the countries of former Yugoslavia and Albania. Migrants from these countries currently make up more than 40% of people going to Germany. The Germans have Serbia, Bosnia, and Macedonia on their own safe list, but not Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro which will be on Juncker’s list.
Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany needs a new system, separate from asylum procedures, for dealing with migrants from the Balkans. Juncker is also expected to include Turkey on his list, controversial since the 30-year-old conflict between the Turkish state and Kurdish militants has re-erupted and is escalating. And almost one quarter of asylum applications of people arriving from Turkey in Europe are currently accepted.
The right to claim asylum is an individual, not collective nor national right. People from countries on the safe list will still be able to claim asylum, but the chances of them obtaining it will be reduced while their applications will be fast-tracked, making deportation a quicker prospect.
1.12pm BST13:12
Germany’s foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has heaped more pressure on David Cameron by calling on other EU states to take part in a “massive joint effort” to tackle the refugee crisis. In a statement issued on Monday he said:
“It is still an illusion to think that we can get a grip on that crisis without a really comprehensive and differentiating approach. In all our efforts, we must not forget the people who are currently considering embarking on the extremely dangerous and risky journey to Europe from refugee camps in Turkey, Lebanon or Jordan.
“We have to do even more in collaboration with our partners to create fresh prospects for them in the places currently sheltering them. That means, for example, supporting the UN efforts to stabilise Libya and the endeavour to launch a real peace process in Syria, which may for the first time in a long time have a chance of success now that agreement has been reached in the nuclear dispute with Iran.”
Steinmeier echoed earlier remarks by the German chancellor Angela Merkel. She said that other EU countries must take in more migrants because “only with common European solidarity can we master this effort”.
She called for a “solidarity-based and fair distribution of refugees” and said the “Europe based on values must show its face”.
12.25pm BST12:2512.25pm BST12:25
The Hungarian security forces are struggling to to contain migrants trying to break out of the Röszke camp on the Serbia border, according to reports.The Hungarian security forces are struggling to to contain migrants trying to break out of the Röszke camp on the Serbia border, according to reports.
Frustrated migrants waiting for bus to Budapest rush the police lines. pic.twitter.com/P9a2Bc4LdJFrustrated migrants waiting for bus to Budapest rush the police lines. pic.twitter.com/P9a2Bc4LdJ
Migrants on Hungarian/Serbian border sit in the road in front of the police line as photographers mingle with them. pic.twitter.com/l7zd4bxyxgMigrants on Hungarian/Serbian border sit in the road in front of the police line as photographers mingle with them. pic.twitter.com/l7zd4bxyxg
Updated at 12.25pm BSTUpdated at 12.25pm BST
12.18pm BST12:1812.18pm BST12:18
A UN committee has urged Gulf States to do more to help tackle the crisis.A UN committee has urged Gulf States to do more to help tackle the crisis.
In a statement the UN Committee on the Protection on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families said: “While neighbouring states have opened their borders to millions of Syrian migrants, other countries, especially in Europe and elsewhere, notably the Gulf States, should do more to address one of the most tragic mass displacements of people since World War II.”In a statement the UN Committee on the Protection on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families said: “While neighbouring states have opened their borders to millions of Syrian migrants, other countries, especially in Europe and elsewhere, notably the Gulf States, should do more to address one of the most tragic mass displacements of people since World War II.”
The Guardian’s migration correspondent Patrick Kingsley said persuading the Gulf States to take more Syrians was one of the key ways to tackle the crisis. He wrote:The Guardian’s migration correspondent Patrick Kingsley said persuading the Gulf States to take more Syrians was one of the key ways to tackle the crisis. He wrote:
Most Arab countries don’t allow entry to Syrians. Some of them have reasonable excuses – Lebanon’s refugee population is already a quarter of the country’s total. But the Gulf countries – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar – have less justification, not least because their support for various sides in the Syrian war is one of the reasons the conflict has lasted so long.Most Arab countries don’t allow entry to Syrians. Some of them have reasonable excuses – Lebanon’s refugee population is already a quarter of the country’s total. But the Gulf countries – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar – have less justification, not least because their support for various sides in the Syrian war is one of the reasons the conflict has lasted so long.
The Guardian has met some Syrians in the Balkans who led safe lives in the UAE for years but had to leave because their residencies were recently rescinded. If Europe has a moral duty to help Syrians, then the Gulf certainly does too.”The Guardian has met some Syrians in the Balkans who led safe lives in the UAE for years but had to leave because their residencies were recently rescinded. If Europe has a moral duty to help Syrians, then the Gulf certainly does too.”
12.03pm BST12:0312.03pm BST12:03
We want to hear experiences from refugees who are making a journey in Europe this summer, as well as their friends and families, and from people whose communities are receiving refugees. You can share your stories, pictures and videos 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 are making a journey in Europe this summer, as well as their friends and families, and from people whose communities are receiving refugees. You can share your stories, pictures and videos with us via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44 (0) 7867 825056 and starting your message with refugees, or by contributing to GuardianWitness.
12.01pm BST12:0112.01pm BST12:01
SummarySummary
Here’s a summary of the latest developments:Here’s a summary of the latest developments:
Updated at 12.01pm BSTUpdated at 12.01pm BST
11.32am BST11:3211.32am BST11:32
In his press conference President Hollande, said France was considering air strikes in Syria, but ruled out sending not send ground troops into the country. AFP quoted him saying this would be “inconsequential and unrealistic.”In his press conference President Hollande, said France was considering air strikes in Syria, but ruled out sending not send ground troops into the country. AFP quoted him saying this would be “inconsequential and unrealistic.”
He said it was unrealistic “because we would be the only ones” and also risked being “transformed into an occupation force”.He said it was unrealistic “because we would be the only ones” and also risked being “transformed into an occupation force”.
“So we won’t do it,” he said. “It’s for regional forces to take their responsibilities. France, however, will work to find political solutions.”“So we won’t do it,” he said. “It’s for regional forces to take their responsibilities. France, however, will work to find political solutions.”
He said that finding a political transition that sidelined Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was “essential”.He said that finding a political transition that sidelined Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was “essential”.
“The transition is an essential point. Nothing must be done that can consolidate or maintain Bashar al-Assad,” he said.“The transition is an essential point. Nothing must be done that can consolidate or maintain Bashar al-Assad,” he said.
France has so far only carried out airstrikes against IS in neighbouring Iraq. Hollande said the French military had so far carried out 200 strikes in Iraq.France has so far only carried out airstrikes against IS in neighbouring Iraq. Hollande said the French military had so far carried out 200 strikes in Iraq.
Britain is also thought to be considering military strikes in Syria, with Prime Minister David Cameron trying to organise a new parliamentary vote on the issue in the coming weeks.Britain is also thought to be considering military strikes in Syria, with Prime Minister David Cameron trying to organise a new parliamentary vote on the issue in the coming weeks.
British MPs rejected such action two years ago, in a decision that embarrassed Cameron and drew criticism from the United States.British MPs rejected such action two years ago, in a decision that embarrassed Cameron and drew criticism from the United States.
11.22am BST11:2211.22am BST11:22
Tougher EU approach on Syria?Tougher EU approach on Syria?
Is Europe on the verge of taking a tougher stance on the war in Syria? Hot on the heels of Hollande’s announced that France is considering airstrikes in Syria, Germany says it wants to “expand its commitment to fight the actual causes of [the migration] crisis”.Is Europe on the verge of taking a tougher stance on the war in Syria? Hot on the heels of Hollande’s announced that France is considering airstrikes in Syria, Germany says it wants to “expand its commitment to fight the actual causes of [the migration] crisis”.
This doesn’t go nearly as far as France, but taken together with Cameron’s announcement that he will couple his statement on refugees with remarks on counter terrorism, it suggests something is afoot.This doesn’t go nearly as far as France, but taken together with Cameron’s announcement that he will couple his statement on refugees with remarks on counter terrorism, it suggests something is afoot.
Chancellor #Merkel: #Germany will expand its commitment to fight the actual causes of crisis. MT @RegSprecher #refugeesChancellor #Merkel: #Germany will expand its commitment to fight the actual causes of crisis. MT @RegSprecher #refugees
Updated at 11.28am BSTUpdated at 11.28am BST
11.09am BST11:0911.09am BST11:09
Hollande heaps more pressure on Cameron.Hollande heaps more pressure on Cameron.
#BREAKING Without united EU migrant policy Schengen 'will collapse': Hollande#BREAKING Without united EU migrant policy Schengen 'will collapse': Hollande
The PM’s office has revealed that his statement will include details of counter terrorism strategy.The PM’s office has revealed that his statement will include details of counter terrorism strategy.
I'll be making a statement on "Syria: Refugees and Counter Terrorism" in the House of Commons at 330pm today.I'll be making a statement on "Syria: Refugees and Counter Terrorism" in the House of Commons at 330pm today.
Updated at 11.11am BSTUpdated at 11.11am BST
11.04am BST11:0411.04am BST11:04
In Australia, thousands of people have gathered in major cities across the country to urge action on the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in Syria.In Australia, thousands of people have gathered in major cities across the country to urge action on the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in Syria.
The call went out on social media under the hashtags #refugeeswelcome and #LightTheDark, with gatherings planned in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth.The call went out on social media under the hashtags #refugeeswelcome and #LightTheDark, with gatherings planned in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth.
Many people lit candles in Sydney’s Hyde Park and Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens as they stood together in the growing gloom, echoing the scenes in February 2014 when vigils were held across the country for Reza Barati, the Iranian man killed during violent scenes at the Manus Island detention centre.Many people lit candles in Sydney’s Hyde Park and Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens as they stood together in the growing gloom, echoing the scenes in February 2014 when vigils were held across the country for Reza Barati, the Iranian man killed during violent scenes at the Manus Island detention centre.
There’s more here.There’s more here.
Updated at 11.27am BSTUpdated at 11.27am BST
11.02am BST11:0211.02am BST11:02
The UK is notably absent from the list of countries prepared to accept extra refugees under the EU’s plan. David Cameron’s government has repeatedly rejected the idea of EU quotas. But he is due to announce plans to resettle “thousands more” Syrians, when he addresses the Commons later today.The UK is notably absent from the list of countries prepared to accept extra refugees under the EU’s plan. David Cameron’s government has repeatedly rejected the idea of EU quotas. But he is due to announce plans to resettle “thousands more” Syrians, when he addresses the Commons later today.
France’s plans to accept 24,000 extra refugees will add to the pressure on Cameron to do more.France’s plans to accept 24,000 extra refugees will add to the pressure on Cameron to do more.
In this context it is also worth noting President François Hollande announce that France will begin reconnaissance missions over Syria and is considering launching airstrikes against Islamic State militants.In this context it is also worth noting President François Hollande announce that France will begin reconnaissance missions over Syria and is considering launching airstrikes against Islamic State militants.
“We have proof that attacks have been planned from Syria against several countries, notably France,” Hollande told a news conference.“We have proof that attacks have been planned from Syria against several countries, notably France,” Hollande told a news conference.
“My responsibility is to ensure that we are informed as much as possible on the threats to our country ... so I have asked the defence minister that on Tuesday reconnaissance flights begin over Syria that will enable us to consider air strikes against Islamic State.”“My responsibility is to ensure that we are informed as much as possible on the threats to our country ... so I have asked the defence minister that on Tuesday reconnaissance flights begin over Syria that will enable us to consider air strikes against Islamic State.”
Updated at 11.27am BSTUpdated at 11.27am BST
10.48am BST10:4810.48am BST10:48
El Pais has published details of the EU’s new quota plan, Open Europe points out.El Pais has published details of the EU’s new quota plan, Open Europe points out.
New refugee quotas prepared by EU Commission (via @el_pais). Germany, France & Spain would take nearly 60% of total. pic.twitter.com/MrhT90WcJ4New refugee quotas prepared by EU Commission (via @el_pais). Germany, France & Spain would take nearly 60% of total. pic.twitter.com/MrhT90WcJ4
10.41am BST10:4110.41am BST10:41
EU quota plan to accept an extra 120,000 peopleEU quota plan to accept an extra 120,000 people
More details are emerging about the EU’s quota plan.More details are emerging about the EU’s quota plan.
The EU executive has drawn up a new set of national quotas under which Germany will take in more than 40,000 and France 30,000 of a total of 160,000 asylum-seekers it says should be relocated from Italy, Greece and Hungary, an EU source told Reuters.The EU executive has drawn up a new set of national quotas under which Germany will take in more than 40,000 and France 30,000 of a total of 160,000 asylum-seekers it says should be relocated from Italy, Greece and Hungary, an EU source told Reuters.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to unveil new proposals on Wednesday. EU officials have said he will propose adding 120,000 people to be relocated on top of a group of 40,000 the Commission previously proposed relocating.European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to unveil new proposals on Wednesday. EU officials have said he will propose adding 120,000 people to be relocated on top of a group of 40,000 the Commission previously proposed relocating.
Germany would, if EU leaders agree to the scheme, be asked to take in 31,443 and France 24,031. Earlier on Monday, French President Francois Hollande said France would take 24,000 of the additional 120,000 people seeking refuge.Germany would, if EU leaders agree to the scheme, be asked to take in 31,443 and France 24,031. Earlier on Monday, French President Francois Hollande said France would take 24,000 of the additional 120,000 people seeking refuge.
Confirming figures published by Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, the source said the Commission also planned to put Turkey and all the non-EU states of the Western Balkans on a new list of “safe” countries, whose citizens would face accelerated reviews of asylum claims to speed deportation for most of them.Confirming figures published by Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, the source said the Commission also planned to put Turkey and all the non-EU states of the Western Balkans on a new list of “safe” countries, whose citizens would face accelerated reviews of asylum claims to speed deportation for most of them.
Updated at 10.44am BSTUpdated at 10.44am BST
10.30am BST10:3010.30am BST10:30
France and Germany reported to take extra 55,000 refugeesFrance and Germany reported to take extra 55,000 refugees
France and Germany are reported to be prepared to take an extra 55,000 refugees over the next two years, according to reports in the French press.France and Germany are reported to be prepared to take an extra 55,000 refugees over the next two years, according to reports in the French press.
The European Commission has asked France to accept 24,000 refugees and Germany 31,000 refugees under a new plan, according to the English language French news site The Local.The European Commission has asked France to accept 24,000 refugees and Germany 31,000 refugees under a new plan, according to the English language French news site The Local.
Speaking on Monday French president François Hollande said that France is “willing to play its part”.Speaking on Monday French president François Hollande said that France is “willing to play its part”.
Hollande told the media that it was a “fundamental principle” of France to accept asylum seekers.Hollande told the media that it was a “fundamental principle” of France to accept asylum seekers.
Reports in Le Monde on Monday claim Germany will be asked to take in 31, 000 refugees.Reports in Le Monde on Monday claim Germany will be asked to take in 31, 000 refugees.
Later Hollande confirmed the reports.Later Hollande confirmed the reports.
BREAKING: French president says country will welcome 24,000 refugeesBREAKING: French president says country will welcome 24,000 refugees
The EU commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, is expected to present his plan to distribute refugees across the EU in his state of the union address on Wednesday.The EU commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, is expected to present his plan to distribute refugees across the EU in his state of the union address on Wednesday.
Updated at 10.38am BSTUpdated at 10.38am BST
10.20am BST10:2010.20am BST10:20
Fire and riots in the Kara Tepe transit camp as well as protests on the streets of Mytilini, are putting the lives and safety of refugees stranded on the island of Lesbos at risk, the US agency the International Rescue Committee has warned.Fire and riots in the Kara Tepe transit camp as well as protests on the streets of Mytilini, are putting the lives and safety of refugees stranded on the island of Lesbos at risk, the US agency the International Rescue Committee has warned.
The turmoil has made it harder and harder for aid organisations to provide assistance, according to Kirk Day, its field director on Lesbos.The turmoil has made it harder and harder for aid organisations to provide assistance, according to Kirk Day, its field director on Lesbos.
In an email he said: “Failure to recognise the severity of this situation has allowed it to reach a point where we are truly in the midst of a humanitarian disaster. There are upwards of 17,000 – 25,000 people stuck on Lesbos, with thousands more arriving every day with no systems or capacity to receive them. There is need for a transit center in the north to alleviate the suffering of every refugee landing on the island.In an email he said: “Failure to recognise the severity of this situation has allowed it to reach a point where we are truly in the midst of a humanitarian disaster. There are upwards of 17,000 – 25,000 people stuck on Lesbos, with thousands more arriving every day with no systems or capacity to receive them. There is need for a transit center in the north to alleviate the suffering of every refugee landing on the island.
“Refugees are finding themselves in Lesbos for weeks, every free inch of ground has been taken over with makeshift camps and people sleeping rough in the open, sanitation and hygiene conditions in the transit camps and in the city of Mytilini itself are rapidly declining while tensions are rapidly rising. None of these things can be addressed with this many people here, and the backlog has become so enormous that even the best of systems will not be able to catch up. The only way forward is to move these people off the island immediately.”“Refugees are finding themselves in Lesbos for weeks, every free inch of ground has been taken over with makeshift camps and people sleeping rough in the open, sanitation and hygiene conditions in the transit camps and in the city of Mytilini itself are rapidly declining while tensions are rapidly rising. None of these things can be addressed with this many people here, and the backlog has become so enormous that even the best of systems will not be able to catch up. The only way forward is to move these people off the island immediately.”
10.08am BST10:0810.08am BST10:08
Tension appears to be mounting at the Roszke border crossing between Serbia and Hungary.Tension appears to be mounting at the Roszke border crossing between Serbia and Hungary.
Many here in Röszke are exhausted after a long journey into Hungary - some have collapsed. pic.twitter.com/1QJQOJqZsLMany here in Röszke are exhausted after a long journey into Hungary - some have collapsed. pic.twitter.com/1QJQOJqZsL
9.50am BST09:509.50am BST09:50
Merkel: number refugees 'breathtaking'Merkel: number refugees 'breathtaking'
Josie Le BlondJosie Le Blond
Angela Merkel described the number of people crossing the border into Germany over the weekend as “breathtaking” and said Germans should be “proud” of their response, writes Josie Le Blond in Berlin.Angela Merkel described the number of people crossing the border into Germany over the weekend as “breathtaking” and said Germans should be “proud” of their response, writes Josie Le Blond in Berlin.
Speaking at press conference press in Berlin following a government meeting last night to address the crisis, she said: “We’ve experienced a moving and breathtaking weekend want to thank everyone who has helped. We can be proud.” She said the efforts by average Germans to support thousands of arriving refugees had “painted a picture of Germany which can make us proud of our country”.Speaking at press conference press in Berlin following a government meeting last night to address the crisis, she said: “We’ve experienced a moving and breathtaking weekend want to thank everyone who has helped. We can be proud.” She said the efforts by average Germans to support thousands of arriving refugees had “painted a picture of Germany which can make us proud of our country”.
Merkel added: “I want to emphasise that Dublin III is still in force for all EU countries. I’ve discussed this with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.”Merkel added: “I want to emphasise that Dublin III is still in force for all EU countries. I’ve discussed this with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.”
The German leader said her government planned to pass a new raft of legal measures next month to deal with the crisis. “We know we were quick to save the banks. We have to be quick to meet this challenge too,” she said.The German leader said her government planned to pass a new raft of legal measures next month to deal with the crisis. “We know we were quick to save the banks. We have to be quick to meet this challenge too,” she said.
She also repeated her call for a common European response, not only to address the influx of new arrivals, but also to address the problems in the middle east. “Only together with the rest of Europe can we meet this challenge. We have to work together within the international community to fight the root causes of migration, civil war, the dangers of terrorism.”She also repeated her call for a common European response, not only to address the influx of new arrivals, but also to address the problems in the middle east. “Only together with the rest of Europe can we meet this challenge. We have to work together within the international community to fight the root causes of migration, civil war, the dangers of terrorism.”
Thousands more refugees are expected to arrive in German after 20,000 came in over the weekend.Thousands more refugees are expected to arrive in German after 20,000 came in over the weekend.
Christoph Hillenbrand, a senior official in Bavaria, told reporters that 2,500 new asylum seekers were likely to arrive in Germany by early afternoon.Christoph Hillenbrand, a senior official in Bavaria, told reporters that 2,500 new asylum seekers were likely to arrive in Germany by early afternoon.
German and Austrian officials appeared to have been surprised by the numbers that continued to flow in from Hungary.German and Austrian officials appeared to have been surprised by the numbers that continued to flow in from Hungary.
Over the weekend there have been signs of dissent within Merkel’s conservative camp, with officials from the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) criticising her handling of the crisis.Over the weekend there have been signs of dissent within Merkel’s conservative camp, with officials from the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) criticising her handling of the crisis.
“There is no society that could cope with something like this,” said CSU leader and Bavarian premier Horst Seehofer said. “The federal government needs a plan here.”“There is no society that could cope with something like this,” said CSU leader and Bavarian premier Horst Seehofer said. “The federal government needs a plan here.”
Updated at 10.13am BSTUpdated at 10.13am BST
9.32am BST09:329.32am BST09:32
And thousands more people still arrive ...And thousands more people still arrive ...
9.19am BST09:199.19am BST09:19
Bavarian authorities, which have so far accepted two thirds of the 18,000 refugees who arrived in Munich via Austria over the weekend, have said they are at breaking point writes Josie Le Blond and Emma Graham-Harrison.Bavarian authorities, which have so far accepted two thirds of the 18,000 refugees who arrived in Munich via Austria over the weekend, have said they are at breaking point writes Josie Le Blond and Emma Graham-Harrison.
“We’re right at our limit,” said Christoph Hillenbrand, meeting reporters at Munich train station on Monday morning. He has called for better communication across borders, after authorities were taken by surprise at the number who arrived on Sunday. Hillenbrand said he is expecting a further 10,000 refugees to come in by train in Munich on Monday alone.“We’re right at our limit,” said Christoph Hillenbrand, meeting reporters at Munich train station on Monday morning. He has called for better communication across borders, after authorities were taken by surprise at the number who arrived on Sunday. Hillenbrand said he is expecting a further 10,000 refugees to come in by train in Munich on Monday alone.
Munich government arrivals estimates yesterday were too low by more than half. 10,000 people came through before midnight, 2000 more afterMunich government arrivals estimates yesterday were too low by more than half. 10,000 people came through before midnight, 2000 more after
So nearly 20,000 people came through Munich, majority but not all processed here, over a single weekend. (If you count early Monday morning)So nearly 20,000 people came through Munich, majority but not all processed here, over a single weekend. (If you count early Monday morning)
The government that yesterday noon said it was not worrying about the scale of arrivals has now warned it need urgent help from other areasThe government that yesterday noon said it was not worrying about the scale of arrivals has now warned it need urgent help from other areas
Meanwhile, Chancellor Angela Merkel and her vice chancellor are due to give details of extra measures to help asylum seekers agreed at five-hour meeting of her ruling coalition.Meanwhile, Chancellor Angela Merkel and her vice chancellor are due to give details of extra measures to help asylum seekers agreed at five-hour meeting of her ruling coalition.
9.10am BST09:109.10am BST09:10
David Cameron is due to make his Commons statement about the migration crisis at 3.30pm. Politics Live will be have detailed coverage, but in the meantime here’s a preview.David Cameron is due to make his Commons statement about the migration crisis at 3.30pm. Politics Live will be have detailed coverage, but in the meantime here’s a preview.
It includes this explainer by our development correspondent Sam Jones on how the government will pay for the resettlement of “thousands more” SyriansIt includes this explainer by our development correspondent Sam Jones on how the government will pay for the resettlement of “thousands more” Syrians
Can the government spend overseas aid money at home?Can the government spend overseas aid money at home?
Although the rules governing the use of overseas aid – known as official development assistance (ODA) – are strict, there is provision for domestic expenditure under some circumstances.Although the rules governing the use of overseas aid – known as official development assistance (ODA) – are strict, there is provision for domestic expenditure under some circumstances.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
Assistance to refugees in developing countries is reportable as ODA. Temporary assistance to refugees from developing countries arriving in donor countries is reportable as ODA during the first 12 months of stay, and all costs associated with eventual repatriation to the developing country of origin are also reportable.Assistance to refugees in developing countries is reportable as ODA. Temporary assistance to refugees from developing countries arriving in donor countries is reportable as ODA during the first 12 months of stay, and all costs associated with eventual repatriation to the developing country of origin are also reportable.
Does the UK’s overseas aid money go on anything else at home?Does the UK’s overseas aid money go on anything else at home?
Yes. A Guardian analysis in 2014 revealed that some UK aid money is actually spent here: in 2012, almost £12m went on projects such as global citizenship lessons in Scottish schools; military and security training for African officials; and a “study visit” to the UK for North Korean officials.Yes. A Guardian analysis in 2014 revealed that some UK aid money is actually spent here: in 2012, almost £12m went on projects such as global citizenship lessons in Scottish schools; military and security training for African officials; and a “study visit” to the UK for North Korean officials.
Why does the UK have such a large overseas aid budget?Why does the UK have such a large overseas aid budget?
In April last year, the UK became one of only a handful of European countries (the others being Luxembourg, Sweden and Denmark) to achieve the 45-year-old UN target of spending 0.7% of its gross national income as aid to poorer nations.In April last year, the UK became one of only a handful of European countries (the others being Luxembourg, Sweden and Denmark) to achieve the 45-year-old UN target of spending 0.7% of its gross national income as aid to poorer nations.
How is the chancellor’s announcement likely to play out?How is the chancellor’s announcement likely to play out?
The political push to get the 0.7% commitment enshrined in law at a time of financial crisis and austerity was not easy. A handful of Tory backbenchers attempted to derail the bill, with one memorably describing it as “a handout to make a few middle class, Guardian-reading, sandal-wearing, lentil-eating do-gooders with a misguided guilt complex feel better about themselves”. Ukip also opposed the move. In their 2015 election manifesto, the party pledged to slash Britain’s overseas aid spending by more than two-thirds and abolish the “wasteful” DfID. Given the government’s controversial decision to ringfence DfID’s budget at a time of austerity and swingeing cuts across Whitehall, Osborne’s announcement may go some way to placating opponents who question the need to spend so much abroad and congregate around the maxim that “charity begins at home”.The political push to get the 0.7% commitment enshrined in law at a time of financial crisis and austerity was not easy. A handful of Tory backbenchers attempted to derail the bill, with one memorably describing it as “a handout to make a few middle class, Guardian-reading, sandal-wearing, lentil-eating do-gooders with a misguided guilt complex feel better about themselves”. Ukip also opposed the move. In their 2015 election manifesto, the party pledged to slash Britain’s overseas aid spending by more than two-thirds and abolish the “wasteful” DfID. Given the government’s controversial decision to ringfence DfID’s budget at a time of austerity and swingeing cuts across Whitehall, Osborne’s announcement may go some way to placating opponents who question the need to spend so much abroad and congregate around the maxim that “charity begins at home”.
What does DfID say?What does DfID say?
The international development secretary, Justine Greening, said she welcomed the news and pointed out that Britain has already spent more than £1bn on trying to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria and the surrounding region.The international development secretary, Justine Greening, said she welcomed the news and pointed out that Britain has already spent more than £1bn on trying to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria and the surrounding region.
Greening said that DfID and the Treasury were going to “fundamentally review” spending to make sure that “every additional pound goes towards addressing the global challenges that impact on Britain, like the crisis we’ve seen unfold on Europe’s borders”.Greening said that DfID and the Treasury were going to “fundamentally review” spending to make sure that “every additional pound goes towards addressing the global challenges that impact on Britain, like the crisis we’ve seen unfold on Europe’s borders”.
Updated at 9.34am BSTUpdated at 9.34am BST
8.58am BST08:588.58am BST08:58
New Zealand and Australia offer to take more refugeesNew Zealand and Australia offer to take more refugees
New Zealand’s prime minister, John Key, has announced plans to accept an exta 750 Syrian refugees.New Zealand’s prime minister, John Key, has announced plans to accept an exta 750 Syrian refugees.
Meanwhile, Australia’s prime minister, Tony Abbott said his would play its role in taking displaced people from the Syrian conflict, but the details are unclear.Meanwhile, Australia’s prime minister, Tony Abbott said his would play its role in taking displaced people from the Syrian conflict, but the details are unclear.
Updated at 9.01am BSTUpdated at 9.01am BST
8.44am BST08:448.44am BST08:44
Hungary’s hardline PM Viktor Orban has cranked up the rhetoric once again. In his latest statement he said people coming into the EU are “immigrants not refugees”.Hungary’s hardline PM Viktor Orban has cranked up the rhetoric once again. In his latest statement he said people coming into the EU are “immigrants not refugees”.
He also said that it was the EU primary interest that Hungary protects its borders.He also said that it was the EU primary interest that Hungary protects its borders.
Meanwhile, Police on Austria’s eastern border with Hungary are intensifying checks on suspected on people smugglers but otherwise not tightening controls on people crossing the frontier, a spokesman for police in Burgenland province said on Monday.Meanwhile, Police on Austria’s eastern border with Hungary are intensifying checks on suspected on people smugglers but otherwise not tightening controls on people crossing the frontier, a spokesman for police in Burgenland province said on Monday.
Chancellor Werner Faymann announced on Sunday that Austria planned to phase out emergency measures allowing the unimpeded inflow of thousands of migrants from Hungary to Austria and Germany.Chancellor Werner Faymann announced on Sunday that Austria planned to phase out emergency measures allowing the unimpeded inflow of thousands of migrants from Hungary to Austria and Germany.
“There will still be no border controls. That would be against the Schengen agreement,” spokesman Helmut Marban said, according to Reuters, adding checks to catch human smugglers “will be activated and become more visible”.“There will still be no border controls. That would be against the Schengen agreement,” spokesman Helmut Marban said, according to Reuters, adding checks to catch human smugglers “will be activated and become more visible”.
8.37am BST08:378.37am BST08:37
Patrick KingsleyPatrick Kingsley
While thousands of people have crossed the border into Hungary over the weekend, some are still being stopped and rounded up by police, Patrick Kingsley reports.While thousands of people have crossed the border into Hungary over the weekend, some are still being stopped and rounded up by police, Patrick Kingsley reports.
But no space there, so many spent the night in field. Situ tense. Smell of teargas. A man has fainted on ground. Crowd chants "freedom".But no space there, so many spent the night in field. Situ tense. Smell of teargas. A man has fainted on ground. Crowd chants "freedom".
Some have gone to the petrol station up road to be smuggled to Budapest. But immobile families stuck here. A pic pic.twitter.com/Ryqljqnd4JSome have gone to the petrol station up road to be smuggled to Budapest. But immobile families stuck here. A pic pic.twitter.com/Ryqljqnd4J
Time lapse video from the BBC shows how 14,000 people, many of them Syrian refugees, arrived at Munich’s central railway station.Time lapse video from the BBC shows how 14,000 people, many of them Syrian refugees, arrived at Munich’s central railway station.
8.14am BST08:148.14am BST08:14
Hungary’s hardline anti-immigration prime minister Viktor Orban remains defiant despite relaxing border controls over the weekend.Hungary’s hardline anti-immigration prime minister Viktor Orban remains defiant despite relaxing border controls over the weekend.
Reuters quoted him saying that Hungary cannot accept EU quotas on migrants. “Until we can protect EU borders, there is no point in discussing quotas,” Orban is quoted as saying.Reuters quoted him saying that Hungary cannot accept EU quotas on migrants. “Until we can protect EU borders, there is no point in discussing quotas,” Orban is quoted as saying.
He also called for a fund to help countries like Turkey to handle the problem.He also called for a fund to help countries like Turkey to handle the problem.
Orban said Hungary has no plans to shoot at migrants trying to cross its new southern border fence.Orban said Hungary has no plans to shoot at migrants trying to cross its new southern border fence.
Construction crews are completing a 3.5-metre-(11.5-foot) high fence along the length of Hungary’s boundary with Serbia to keep further migrants out.Construction crews are completing a 3.5-metre-(11.5-foot) high fence along the length of Hungary’s boundary with Serbia to keep further migrants out.
“We are protecting Europe according to European rules that say borders can be crossed only in certain areas in a controlled way and after registration,” he said in the ORF interview.“We are protecting Europe according to European rules that say borders can be crossed only in certain areas in a controlled way and after registration,” he said in the ORF interview.
Asked if soldiers along the frontier would get orders to shoot, he said: “It is not necessary because there will be a fence that cannot be crossed. Whoever wants nevertheless to cross the fence must be arrested and prosecuted. No use of arms will be necessary.”Asked if soldiers along the frontier would get orders to shoot, he said: “It is not necessary because there will be a fence that cannot be crossed. Whoever wants nevertheless to cross the fence must be arrested and prosecuted. No use of arms will be necessary.”
Asked if Hungary could accept such a quota system, he said: “If Europe’s outer border is not blocked off it makes no sense to speak of quotas. When we have sealed the outer border and thus stopped the illegal migration we can talk about any solution.”Asked if Hungary could accept such a quota system, he said: “If Europe’s outer border is not blocked off it makes no sense to speak of quotas. When we have sealed the outer border and thus stopped the illegal migration we can talk about any solution.”
The reality on the border is not quiet as tough as Orban’s rhetoric suggests, Patrick Kingsley reports.The reality on the border is not quiet as tough as Orban’s rhetoric suggests, Patrick Kingsley reports.
Back at Hungarian-Serbian border. As reported yday, Hungary has given up stopping ppl fm crossing, despite rhetoric pic.twitter.com/wf06lsDVWGBack at Hungarian-Serbian border. As reported yday, Hungary has given up stopping ppl fm crossing, despite rhetoric pic.twitter.com/wf06lsDVWG
Updated at 8.21am BSTUpdated at 8.21am BST
8.01am BST08:018.01am BST08:01
Cooper alarmed at raid on aid budgetCooper alarmed at raid on aid budget
Shadow home secretary and Labour leadership contender, Yvette Cooper, has welcomed reports that the government is prepared to resettle between 10,000 and 15,000 Syrians.Shadow home secretary and Labour leadership contender, Yvette Cooper, has welcomed reports that the government is prepared to resettle between 10,000 and 15,000 Syrians.
But she expressed alarm at signs that the government is to use the aid budget to pay for the move.But she expressed alarm at signs that the government is to use the aid budget to pay for the move.
Last week Cooper urged the government to take in an extra 10,000 refugees.Last week Cooper urged the government to take in an extra 10,000 refugees.
Speaking on to the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she said: “We should do what we can to help. It is really important that Britain doesn’t turn its back on what is the greatest humanitarian crisis since the second world war. So I really hope this figure of about 15,000 is right. This is a big change of mind from the government and does reflect the very strong supports that there’s been across the country ... that we should do more.”Speaking on to the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she said: “We should do what we can to help. It is really important that Britain doesn’t turn its back on what is the greatest humanitarian crisis since the second world war. So I really hope this figure of about 15,000 is right. This is a big change of mind from the government and does reflect the very strong supports that there’s been across the country ... that we should do more.”
On raiding the aid budget, she said: “I have some questions about that, because what you can’t do is do this at the expense of support in the region. Why are they not taking this funding from the reserve?”On raiding the aid budget, she said: “I have some questions about that, because what you can’t do is do this at the expense of support in the region. Why are they not taking this funding from the reserve?”
She also said Britain should accept migrants from Europe and not just refugee camps in countries bordering Syria.She also said Britain should accept migrants from Europe and not just refugee camps in countries bordering Syria.
7.46am BST07:467.46am BST07:46
Hungary appears to have given up stopping people crossing certain parts of its border, the Guardian’s migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, reports.Hungary appears to have given up stopping people crossing certain parts of its border, the Guardian’s migration correspondent, Patrick Kingsley, reports.
Despite building a razor-wire fence along the rest of the border, and making it clear that refugees have no place in Hungary, Hungarian officials allowed over 2,000 to walk in broad daylight on Sunday along these train tracks and into the country. Police did not attempt to stop them.Despite building a razor-wire fence along the rest of the border, and making it clear that refugees have no place in Hungary, Hungarian officials allowed over 2,000 to walk in broad daylight on Sunday along these train tracks and into the country. Police did not attempt to stop them.
Citing police figures, the BBC’s Matthew Price said more than 5,000 people have now crossed from Serbia to Hungary.Citing police figures, the BBC’s Matthew Price said more than 5,000 people have now crossed from Serbia to Hungary.
Hungarian police have released the latest statistics from over the weekend. 5400 migrants crossed over from Serbia to Hungary.Hungarian police have released the latest statistics from over the weekend. 5400 migrants crossed over from Serbia to Hungary.
7.36am BST07:367.36am BST07:36
SummarySummary
Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis.Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis.
As thousands more asylum seekers and migrants arrive in Europe and make their way west, governments across the continent set out differing responses to the crisis.As thousands more asylum seekers and migrants arrive in Europe and make their way west, governments across the continent set out differing responses to the crisis.
Here’s a summary of the latest developments.Here’s a summary of the latest developments.
Andy Sparrow’s Politics Live blog will be focusing on the domestic political row about how to respond to the crisis, including Cameron’s announcement in the Commons. This blog will pick up the main points of Britain’s response but focus on the developing crisis across Europe.Andy Sparrow’s Politics Live blog will be focusing on the domestic political row about how to respond to the crisis, including Cameron’s announcement in the Commons. This blog will pick up the main points of Britain’s response but focus on the developing crisis across Europe.
Updated at 8.19am BSTUpdated at 8.19am BST