Germany is the country facing the greatest pressure in terms of refugee numbers yet it is leading the way in the humanitarian response to what could be Europe’s biggest challenge yet.
The German authorities have eased rules on Syrian refugees and will allow all who arrive to remain in the country.
In contrast, the British Government seems steadfast in abandoning its humanitarian traditions by not taking a fair share of refugees, so far granting asylum to approximately only 260 from Syria.
On a per capita basis, Britain’s record of granting asylum to refugees is one of the lowest in Europe.
Germany has seized the moral high ground and stepped up the campaign to persuade EU countries to take their fair share too.
Britain, which is outside the Schengen Area, has said the border-free system is part of the problem, and a bloc of central European countries which have faced massive strain on their transport networks plan to oppose binding quotas when EU ministers meet on September 14.
Germans decided to show support for refugees en masse after anti-migrant violence in the country.
Using the hashtag #refugeeswelcome, social media users posted videos and pictures of Germans handing out food and drink as well as collecting clothing for distribution.
Top football club Borussia Dortmund invited 220 refugees to a Europa League match. Football fans united to express support with banners appearing at matches across the country saying ‘refugees welcome’.
Perhaps Scottish football fans could follow their lead and show their support at the European Championships qualifier at Hampden on Monday?
Even Germany’s largest tabloid Bild, which is the equivalent of the Daily Mail, splashed with “We will help” as #refugeeswelcome went viral in Germany.
Meanwhile, British tabloids splash with “Migrants swarm to Britain”.
Asylum is a human right and the UK Government has some serious soul searching to do. I hope they devote time and resources to accepting refugees, not just reinforcing borders.
Let’s say #refugeeswelcome.