Tonight The Government Has Dishonoured UK's Humanitarian Legacy - Farron

Local MP and Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has accused the government of turning its back on the UK's proud humanitarian legacy, following this evening's vote not to accept 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees.

During his time as leader of the Lib Dems, Tim has consistently campaigned for a compassionate response to the refugee crisis, and he has visited refugee camps across the UK and Europe.

This evening, a vote to offer sanctuary to 3000 unaccompanied child refugees already in Europe was defeated by 294 to 276 as Conservative MPs voted against it.

Tim said: "10,000 children have disappeared across Europe, 10,000 children that European leaders, including our own Prime Minister, have failed to protect. We must do our part to protect the vulnerable, do our part to overcome the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time.

"In the past, Britain has consistently stood up for the best in human nature - it has opened its doors with the Kindertransport to those escaping Nazi brutality and again to Ugandans fleeing Idi Amin's brutal regime. We have seen these values in action right here in South Lakeland, with the Windermere Boys, taken in after WWII.

"Tonight the Government have dishonoured that legacy. The Government have closed their eyes to those in need."