Having myself left Zimbabwe in the late 1980's for similar but nothing like as desperate reasons, I have huge sympathy and empathy with them. To feel otherwise would be hypocritical in the extreme quite apart from being uncompassionate.
Who cannot be moved by the dreadfully sad stories and film footage emanating out from the Mediterranean Sea and borders of Hungary?
However I do also recognise that Europe is not without its own problems and issues. Adding several millions of people who do not for the main part share its history, religious or cultural traditions will pose difficulties. The far right and left of our political parties will feed off of them - and target them with their bigotry and inhumanity.
I feel that without the West becoming involved militarily and diplomatically in the political carnage that has erupted in the Middle East the horror and awfulness will continue. Russia building bases will not help unless they share and become a part of an agreed solution. Arab nations must take the lead on confronting the religious discrimination and radicalism as well as house the refugees in safety until they can return to rebuild their shattered nations and communities.
Perhaps Cameron et al are correct: the borders must close - but so too must our nations combine in a military and humanitarian campaign to replace the current evil with compassionate democracies.
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