Bettison unhappy over Syrian refugee comments

Denies calls for committee were a smokescreen

Douglas East MHK Clare Bettison has hit out at comments made by the Chief Minister over the Syrian refugee debate.

Howard Quayle suggested the call for a committee to be established to look at the pros and cons of housing 25 refugees was a smokescreen and an attempt to overturn a Council of Ministers decision.

CoMin, in both the current and previous administrations, has decided to send overseas aid to help refugees in camps nearer to home.

Mr Quayle stated the Island is not entitled to any funding from the UK Government or the resettlement scheme.

Garff MHK Daphne Caine's move in Tynwald to set-up the committee failed by one vote.

Clare Bettison, who seconded the motion, says the committee would have provided parliamentary and public scrutiny.