PATRAS MIGRANT CAMP

Early day motion 1900, tabled 15 July 2009 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 22 members.

That this House is concerned at recent action by the Greek authorities against the migrant camp in Patras; notes reports that the camp was entered by bulldozers accompanied by 100 riot police officers who flattened the camp leaving only a mosque and a doctors' tent; further notes that reports suggest that up to 1,800 people were living in the camp; recognises that the majority of these migrants had escaped from Afghanistan; believes that whether they were legally in Greece or not these migrants must have their basic rights protected; recognises that Greece and other Mediterranean states are under pressure from the number of migrants arriving at their borders; and calls on the Government to work with the European Union to support Greece in setting up proper facilities for incoming asylum seekers.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1.