Helping refugees and migrants from the Middle East is a "moral obligation", according to a Labour councillor who wants county and borough councils to work together on the issue.

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Councillor Vince Romagnuolo of Court ward has put forward a motion to be debated at the next meeting of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council on Thursday, October 15.

He has called on the council to resolve to work alongside its eleven boroughs and districts as well as Surrey County Council to support initiatives helping migrants seeking refuge in the United Kingdom.

Cllr Romagnuolo also called for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to take its fair share of refugees.

He said: "We have got a proud record of taking in refugees from around the world for centuries.

"I know that people are registering with national websites saying they would be willing to take in refugees, though I am not sure how many from Epsom and Ewell have.

"But I think local politicians should be providing the lead on this and helping support any families who want to take in refugees, as well as providing any empty properties that are available.

"I am not going to propose any numbers. It is the principle that we need to get the council to accept."

A recent Freedom of Information request found that there are 295 empty houses in Epsom and Ewell borough.

Cllr Romagnuolo suggested these vacancies, along with residents offering to take in families, could be help accommodate refugees in Epsom and Ewell.

He said: "Knowing that there are 300 empty properties in the borough puts a different perspective on it.

"I know that people are registering with national websites saying they would be willing to take in refugees, though I am not sure how many from Epsom and Ewell have.

"I have got great confidence in the people of Epsom and Ewell. They will respond if the right leadership is there.

"Obviously all of the councils in the country are having their budgets cut and their grants cut, so it would be difficult.

"But even so, we should commit to our fair share of people who are escaping persecution and violence."