CoMin to review Syrian refugee policy

The Council of Minister will review the Island's stance on Syrian refugees after receiving a petition calling for those fleeing the war zone to be allowed into the Isle of Man.

The Government previously insisted refugees couldn't be given shelter on the Island, but more than 1,000 signatures protesting the move were presented to the Chief Minister earlier this week.

Last year CoMin said there wasn't the level of support needed to help those leaving Syria on the Island.

Howard Quayle confirmed that the Government will revisit the decision, but that its hands remain tied by UK policy and the Island's constitutional position.

The petition, which was put together by four local charities and campaign groups, is calling for the Island to take in 25 refugees as part of the UK's Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.