Channel Islands may take Syrian refugees

The UK has granted asylum to about 5,000 Syrians since the conflict began

The Channel Islands may take refugees fleeing the ongoing crisis in Syria.

Jersey's Chief Minister Ian Gorst said the islands were "exploring the possibility of taking some refugee families here in the Channel Islands".

He said talks with the UK Home Office were ongoing, but he and Guernsey's Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq were "determined" to support relief efforts.

Senator Gorst said: "It is important to officially state our willingness to help in this crisis."

He said: "This process is at an early stage - there are a variety of technical obstacles to overcome and the extent of the assistance we can provide would be dependent on a range of factors."

Since 2013 Jersey's Overseas Aid Commission has donated £350,000 to appeals supporting Syrian refugees and Guernsey's Overseas Aid Commission has donated £100,000.

The UK has granted asylum to about 5,000 Syrians since the conflict began.

Jersey does not have its own procedures for asylum seekers, but is a signatory to the relevant conventions and protocols.

Mr Gorst said: "As we do not have processes in place here to hear asylum claims, anyone eligible to claim asylum who reaches Jersey would be referred to the UK Home Office, where their claim could be processed."