A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has defended the Government's under-fire response on Syria - saying "it is simply not true" that not enough is being done.

Nigel Huddleston, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, says despite the criticism around the number of refugees Britain is willing to take he feels it is right to be "cautious".

David Cameron has announced that the UK will take 20,000 Syrians in from 2020, all from camps bordering the war-town nation - and last week agreed to pump an extra £100 million in aid in.

The refugee figure has been criticised by campaigners and some politicians.

Mr Huddleston told your Worcester News he has been "staggered" by the amount of correspondence around the Syrian crisis from constituents.

"Over the summer, and particularly the last week, I have received a staggering amount of correspondence on this and it is clearly important to the people of Mid-Worcestershire," he said.

"The Prime Minister made it clear Britain can hold its head up high in terms of our record on accepting refugees and international aid.

"It is simply not true to say that the UK is not doing enough, in many ways we are doing far more than many other European countries.

"More than 300,000 people have crossed the Mediterranean to Europe so far this year and some of the pictures we have seen on our television screens and in newspapers have been deeply shocking.

"With that said I strongly believe a cautious approach is needed and governments in the West must be wary of the unintended consequences of their actions – acting with head as well as heart.

"I believe the Government’s approach of taking refugees from Syrian camps rather than those already in Europe to be the right one.

"This is clearly a difficult and emotive issue but we must not do anything to encourage people to risk the hazardous journey to Europe which has tragically cost so many lives."

Since 2011 the UK has granted to 5,000 Syrian refugees, while 216 people have been relocated under the Home Office's vulnerable citizens scheme.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said:"I've had a lot of letters from churches in Worcester keen to get involved, and it will take a little bit of time to work through how different organisations can help.

"In general I think things are moving in the right direction, if you look at some of the (media) coverage you'd think this started last week."

It follows criticism around Worcestershire that the figure is too low, including from Councillor Julian Roskams, a former Green Party parliamentary candidate in West Worcestershire.

Councillor Joy Squires, a former Worcester Labour parliamentary candidate, has called the Government's response "wholly lacking".

Council leaders across Worcestershire are preparing to discuss how to respond in a meeting on Monday, September 21.