NO surprise that our two local MPs both parrot the Government line on the Syrian refugee crisis (Gazette, September 10). What they fail to make clear is that all of the ‘extra’ money being spent is taken from the existing Foreign Aid budget, depriving other poor countries of previously allocated funds. In the face of the greatest refugee crisis since the Second World War, our government is not prepared to spend one extra penny.

Cameron’s ‘change of heart’, bowing to public pressure by accepting 20,000 refugees over five years is pathetic. Compare this to the thousands being welcomed daily in countries like Germany and Sweden. It puts us to shame. In one year in the 1970s, we welcomed in 40,000 Ugandan Asians, who have since made a huge contribution to British life. Already, the public, by their offers of help, are showing that they do not share the Government’s mean-spirited attitude. Given the chance to show some moral leadership, Cameron has instead weakly given way to the extremists in his own party.

DAVID WEARN

Devizes Constituency Labour Party

The Green

Great Cheverell