Hayes welcomes passing of emergency motion in the European Parliament to assist 120,000 refugees

Fine Gael Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes has today (Thursday) welcomed the passing of an emergency motion in the European Parliament for the relocation of 120,000 refugees. The European Parliament met this morning for an emergency session in order to give the green light to the Commissions’ proposal to relocate 120,000 people from Italy, Greece and Hungary. “I welcome this morning’s vote in the European Parliament. The relocation of refugees from Italy, Greece and Hungary is part of the Commission’s proposals announced last week to address the current refugee crisis. Other measures included in the proposals include additional resources to assist member states in processing applications and returning economic migrants. “I want to see the plan outlined by the Commission fully implemented. Europe must act together to address this issue. It is not just an issue for some Member States. We all have a responsibility to fully support binding quotas. It is only when all the EU Member States act collectively that this issue can be dealt with. “Today’s vote by MEPs represents the collective views of the people of Europe. The only directly elected EU body has spoken. It is now a matter for the European Council to respect the wishes of Parliament and to work with the Commission to end this humanitarian nightmare.”