Quayle insists refugee decision not due to a lack of caring

Fri, 24 Feb 2017

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK

The Chief Minister insists the Government's decision not to allow Syrian refugees to come to the Island is not due to a lack of caring.

Howard Quayle confirmed last week that those fleeing Syria won't be allowed to seek refuge on the Island, but instead has donated almost £1m to the United Nations to help those in camps in the country.

A petition with over 1,000 signatures called for the Island to take in 20 refugees, but Mr Quayle believes thousands will benefit from the Isle of Man's funding.

Speaking in response to a query in this month's Tynwald sitting, the Chief Minister also listed a lack of proper facilities, no Syrian community and the need for interpreters as reasons not to house Syrian refugees locally.