SINCE the outbreak of the civil war in Syria an estimated four million people have fled their homes, taking refuge in neighbouring countries.

Last month it was reckoned more than 8,000 refugees crossed into Europe on a daily basis – nearly half-a-million people have risked their lives crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe this year alone.

The UK Government has agreed to accept 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years – taken from refugee camps in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

Last week the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) confirmed that Scotland’s councils are ready and willing to take at least 2,000 refugees, many having plans to take them immediately with Syrians arriving in lots of communities by Christmas.

Tomorrow I will chair a meeting of Inverclyde Council where we will look at proposals for us to play our part, potentially supporting up to 10 families over five years.

We have a proven track record.

Inverclyde is part of the Afghan Resettlement Scheme – a programme offering asylum to interpreters and their families who worked with the British Army in Afghanistan.

So far six families have successfully relocated to Inverclyde and another six are due to arrive over the next few months.

A multi-agency approach – working with Registered Social Landlords, education services, the Health and Social Care Partnership – has been instrumental in settling and supporting the Afghan families.

All were in fear of their lives from the Taliban but now live safely within our communities and as part of those communities. Like everyone else they all have hopes and aspirations and what is best for their children after fleeing their homeland – often leaving other family members behind.

In Syria, the crisis shows no sign of slowing. Russia’s decision to take part in air strikes has provoked fresh international tensions. Moscow insists it is targeting so-called Islamic State and other Islamists while NATO and allied countries are concerned that Russia is attacking groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has the tacit support of the Kremlin.

The civil war in Syria will not end any time soon. The human tide of desperation fleeing the conflict will continue to sweep across neighbouring countries and into Europe and ultimately the UK.

I look forward to tomorrow’s debate with my fellow councillors to discuss how we can help.