#SeekingRefuge: Lesbos' on-going battle to tackle refugee crisis

ITV News is on the Greek island of Lesbos to witness the ongoing battle of those seeking refuge in Europe.

Humanitarian agencies have estimated that more than 1,000 refugees arrive on the small island daily. In the early hours of Monday, ITV News witnessed dozens arriving safely.

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MP refuses to reveal number of Syrian refugees in UK

Richard Harrington said he would not provide a 'running commentary' on the number of Syrians brought to the UK.

The minister responsible for Syrian refugees in the UK has refused to reveal how many people have arrived in Britain under the government's resettlement programme.

Richard Harrington said he was not prepared to provide a "running commentary" on the numbers brought to the UK since David Cameron announced plans to accept 20,000 Syrian refugees over five years.

He told MPs at the home affairs select committee that he knew how many people had arrived since the initiative was launched last month but repeatedly declined to give figures.

Mr Harrington, who was appointed to the newly created ministerial post last month, said: "I don't think anything will be helped by my giving a running commentary on numbers."

His refusal to disclose the information drew criticism from the committee chairman, Keith Vaz.

We will have to write to the Prime Minister now and tell him that we need this figure because frankly I think it is unsatisfactory for you to come before this committee and not have the numbers. The public is very interested in this.

– Home affairs select committee chairman, Keith Vaz

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Funeral held for baby who died during crossing to Lesbos

A funeral service is held for the baby in Lesbos Credit: ITV News

An 11-month-old boy who drowned when a dinghy carrying more than 60 refugees was swamped by waves during a night-time crossing to the Greek island of Lesbos has been buried.

The baby was among 60 other refugees travelling in a dinghy to the Greek island of Lesbos Credit: ITV News

Omaar, from Idlib, Syria, drowned when waves swamped the dinghy last Thursday.

Coastguards worked to save the baby but were unsuccessful.

A funeral service was held for the baby in Lesbos today.

Prayers are said for the baby at the funeral Credit: ITV News

Burnham calls on May to 'show humanity' on refugees

Home Secretary Theresa May has been accused of "not responding to the unfolding nature" of the refugee crisis by Labour's Andy Burnham.

As ITV News records a typical day on a Greek island overwhelmed by refugees, the shadow home secretary urged Mrs May to "look at the TV pictures today" and "show some humanity".

Mrs May defended the Government's response and said "it is better for people not to try to make the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean and other routes into Europe".

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Lesbos offering aid to thousands seeking refuge

The Greek island of Lesbos has continued to offer aid to the latest refugees and migrants who have journeyed in their thousands across the Mediterranean Sea.

A ferry transported around 2,500 to the island on Monday, the latest arrival among an estimated 580,000 people to have arrived in Europe by sea this year.

The coastline along Lesbos has turned bright orange with the life jackets of the refugees. Credit: Jamie Roberton/ITV News
The huge influx on Monday meant only women, children and young families were allowed onto waiting buses. Credit: Jamie Roberton/ITV News
The remaining had to walk the 17km to the next camp in order to access food and water and washing facilities. Credit: Jamie Roberton/ITV News

Lesbos: Refugees wait in searing heat to enter camps

Many of the refugees who have arrived in Lesbos on Monday morning have gone on to camps on the next stage of their journeys, where they receive washing facilities, food and water.

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Due to the huge numbers that arrived today, a bus was needed to take people from another camp, ten miles away.

Only women, children and young families were allowed on board - anyone else was forced to make the journey by foot.

On arrival at the camps, many were forced to stand in long queues in searing heat.

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