SOUTH Somerset MP Marcus Fysh has issued a statement pledging his support for the Government decision to take in asylum seeking and migrant children.

Last night, the Government agreed to Lord Dubs’ new amendment, which means it will take measures to accept asylum seeking and migrant children who are already in Europe.

This signifies a change of policy away from only accepting vulnerable people from the region around Syria itself.

Mr Fysh said: "I’m pleased the Government has accepted this change of policy.

"Whilst many of the arguments about not encouraging people trafficking do have merit, we cannot ignore the crisis that is happening in Europe right now and the amended proposal is limited to children already in Europe.

"I know the pressure already on Somerset for fostering places and we need to be practical about what we can achieve but this is a step in the right direction.

"I have suggested to Ministers they need to make sure that Children’s Services are properly resourced to take on these responsibilities as well as those we already have to vulnerable children in the UK."

Fysh abstained on the original proposal to take in 3,000 refugee children on April 25.

The government will work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to deliver this scheme, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Save the Children.

Those at risk of trafficking or exploitation will be prioritised for resettlement and existing family reunion routes will be accelerated.