STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James has spoken to members of town churches about the Government’s efforts to support Syrian refugees.

Ms James addressed a Churches Together event in Wollaston last week where she spoke about the Syria Vulnerable Person Resettlement programme – the Government’s scheme for rehoming refugees from Syria across the UK.

The MP was joined by Christian Aid’s Jill Stone who spoke about the work the charity is doing across Eastern Europe and the Middle East to help address the humanitarian problems facing many countries.

Church members also talked about their experience of helping refugees, and the role the voluntary sector has played in the response to recent events.

Ms James, who is backing Dudley Council’s commitment to housing 20 families from Syria, said: “I am proud the UK is the second largest aid donor supporting Syrian refugees.

“Indeed, just last week, we more than doubled our commitment from £1.1bn to £2.3bn.

“However, as well as aid, the UK needs to provide shelter. We have a proud tradition of helping refugees in need, and I am glad we have committed to taking in 20,000 refugees up to 2020.

“The many volunteers represented by Churches Together do excellent work, and I’d like to thank them for their efforts.

“It’s very important that the local community, council and voluntary groups work closely to ensure we can support the refugees who will be rehomed in our area.

“I will be working with all of those concerned to make sure that this process is as good and as supportive as it can be.”