David Cameron: UK will fulfil 'moral responsibilities' towards migrants

David Cameron has said that "as a father I felt deeply moved" by the tragic pictures of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi lying dead on a Turkish beach.

The Prime Minister promised that Britain will fulfil its "moral responsibilities" - but stopped short of confirming whether the country would increase the number of refugees it takes.

Pressure is intensifying on the Government to do more to help the thousands of people fleeing to Europe.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon accused Mr Cameron of a "walk on by" attitude towards the crisis, while interim Labour leader Harriet Harman urged the Government to act "swiftly and decisively".

The distressing image sparked international outcry. Credit: APTN

Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham has called for an emergency debate on the crisis when Parliament returns from summer recess next week.

Meanwhile, an online petition calling on the UK to accept more refugees has surged to over 100,000 signatures.

On Wednesday, Mr Cameron said simply taking more migrants was not the answer to the crisis.

Speaking to reporters today, the Prime Minister reiterated that message, saying a "comprehensive solution" was needed - adding that "simply taking people" was not the answer.

Speaking earlier, George Osborne blamed the death of Aylan Kurdi on criminal gangs and Islamic State.

"We have taken 5,000 people from the Syrian conflict, we will go on taking people and keep it under review," he said.

A number of Tory MPs have also spoken out to say Britain should do more for Syrian refugees.

Nadhim Zahawi posted the tragic image of the dead young boy and said those fleeing the war-torn country had been "failed".

Former foreign office minister Baroness Warsi said the UK "had to be "prepared to share the burden".