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EU leaders pledge extra €1 billion to tackle refugee crisis

The "greatest tide" of refugees is yet to come, Europe's leaders have been warned as they pledged another €1 billion (£733 million) to tackle the crisis.

Heads of state were locked in talks for more than five hours in Brussels as they attempted to overcome divisions and find a unified response.

Speaking after the emergency summit, European Council president Donald Tusk said while they had taken a step in the right direction, the policy of "open doors and windows" must be corrected.

Prime Minister David Cameron - who committed an extra £115 million in aid - said a "comprehensive approach" was needed to solve the crisis.

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First Syrian refugees arrive in UK under expanded scheme

The Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPR) plans to resettle 20, 000 Syrian refugees from refugee camps neighbouring Syria. Credit: PA

The first Syrian refugees have arrived in the UK since a government scheme to resettle them was extended, the Home Office has announced.

The Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPR) had already resettled 216 refugees since April 2014, but now plans to help 20,000.

David Cameron announced an extension of the VPR on 7 September in response to the growing number of refugees arriving in Europe.

It is thought that fewer than 100 have arrived today, and it is currently unclear where in the country they will be sent.

The arrival of the refugees comes as European ministers agreed to relocate 120,000 migrants across EU member states.

We are working closely with the with UNHCR and local authorities to make sure we are ready to welcome more Syrians who desperately need our assistance.

Today a number of people have arrived in the UK as part of the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement (VPR) scheme.

As the Prime Minister announced earlier this month, we will resettle 20,000 Syrians over the course of this Parliament through this scheme.

– Home Office spokesperson
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EU leaders pledge extra €1 billion to tackle refugee crisis

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