Nicola Sturgeon told how she was reduced to tears at images of a dead boy washed on the shores of Turkey as his family desperately tried to reach Europe.

In a heartfelt but angry statement, the First Minister condemned the “walk-on-by” attitude of Prime Minister David Cameron and urged him to pledge the UK will take more refugees.

She was backed by Scottish Labour and LibDem leaders and Tory leader Ruth Davidson that Scotland was ready to help and said Britain as the member state had to do more to help deal with the humanitarian crisis.

Glasgow has already taken 55 Syrian refugees and the council said it is prepared to take many more.

Ms Sturgeon was close to tears in the Scottish Parliament as she spoke of the plight of those dying as they seek refuge.

She said: “We simply cannot walk by on the other side; otherwise, that little boy, who we were all so touched by last night, will just become one of many, many more. We cannot and must not have that on our consciences.

She said: “I am very angry at the walk-on-by-on-the-other-side approach of the UK Government. I implore David Cameron to change his position today, and I pledge as First Minister of this country that we will stand ready to help to offer sanctuary to refugees who need our help.”

Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said the UK response was inadequate.

She said: “We have a Prime Minister who says that showing more compassion and taking in more refugees is not the answer.”

Patricia Ferguson, Maryhill and Springburn Labour MSP, appeared to shed tears during her question when she asked if David Cameron should show “leadership and compassion, instead of continuing to turn his back on what are the most desperate people on the planet.”

Ms Sturgeon is today convening a summit of council, political party and church leaders to plan what approach Scotland could be prepared to make if the UK accepts more refugees.

A Scottish Government spokesman said 1000 refugees would be the minimum Scotland would take if the UK was to take in 10,000.

Glasgow City Council said it was willing to play a part once again in accepting refugees to the city.

Deputy Leader Archie Graham said: “We have already provided a home to 55 Syrians who have fled the war in their home country. This is not enough and we have agreed to take in more people who require our assistance.

“Helping vulnerable people who are fleeing war and persecution is simply the right thing to do.

“Glasgow doesn’t turn its back to those facing a humanitarian crisis and our record on welcoming refugees is one that should be an example to all Scottish councils, as well as the Scottish and UK governments.”

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