Manchester Opposition Leader John Leech has slammed Jeremy Corbyn's claims that he will tackle the Syrian refugee crisis as Labour's flagship council continues to reject them.
In his keynote speech, Jeremy Corbyn said: "We will also make a far more determined effort to help bring the terrible war in Syria to an end, a war that has led to millions of refugees."
But Manchester's Opposition Leader John Leech has slammed Corbyn's flagship council for turning their backs instead of following their leader.
He said: "Jeremy Corbyn is saying all the right words but he must look a little closer to home and start with Manchester Council, which has been rejecting Syrian refugees since the crisis began.
"I have demanded, begged and pleaded with them to show some compassion but Manchester Labour has closed the door and turned their backs on the biggest refugee crisis we have ever faced, including desperate lone children.
"If Jeremy Corbyn is serious about his promise to tackle the Syrian conflict, he must start by forcing his flagship council in line and agree to my demands of housing 50 of the most at-risk and vulnerable Syrian families."
In 2014, Labour held every one of the 96 seats on Manchester Council. The Liberal Democrats have since made a comeback with the return of former MP John Leech, but that hasn't stopped Labour bulldozing over demands to house refugees.
In 2016, John Leech worked alongside Rethink Rebuild Society (RRS), a community organisation that works to improving the lives of Syrians and helping them become positively established within British society.
Together, they demanded that Manchester Council house 50 of the most vulnerable Syrian families and as many as possible unaccompanied children, but the council refused, simply responding that "Manchester was prepared to play their part."
Dr. Haytham Alhamwi, Managing Director of RRS, said: "We are asking Manchester City Council to accept at least 50 Syrian families through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme that was announced in 2015.
"We also ask Manchester City Council to accept as many unaccompanied Syrian children as possible, who are in urgent need for all kinds of support".
I was always tempted to have a first-hand experience of the LibDem national party conference, and this year I finally made it.
My overall verdict is: my schedule during those 2 days became so packed, and I got more than what I anticipated.
It was a dynamic and busy weekend with a lot going on. The guidebooks filled with all sort of events. There are a lot of things going on: debates on policies, fringe sessions, trainings and others. On top of it, there are Easter eggs in the conference because there are a lot of events which are not mentioned in the guidebook/agenda.
Today we are marking the twentieth annual Bi Visibility day, which aims to raise the profile and visibility of bisexual people within our society - a society which so often overlooks them. Whilst great progress has been made in advancing rights and acceptance for gay and lesbian people (although of course, there is more to be done), bisexual people often suffer from assumptions based on the gender of their current (or last) partner and the prejudices of their peers. Media portrayals can trivialise their experiences, treat them as curiosities, or suggest that their sexual appetites are greedy and promiscuous. In such a climate, young bisexuals can feel pressured to "pick a side" and this is part of the reason why bi people suffer from far worse rates of mental illness than either gay or straight people. On top of this, the needs of bisexuals are often overlooked in the provision of health and social services.
I'm often asked why I first joined the Liberal Democrats and I have often answered with the word 'Brexit'. But whilst it was true that devastating result of the EU Referendum in 2016 was the catalyst for me joining the party, it really encompasses many wider issues that I wish to make a stand against.
Children with mental health problems are not receiving treatment until they are in crisis and sometimes suicidal, doctors have told the BBC. A letter leaked to Panorama reveals at least one area's child and adolescent mental health service (CAHMS) to be rationing care.
Leading psychiatrist Jon Goldin described the service as "not fit for purpose". The government said it was investing an extra £1.4bn in child mental health.
Party Conference is over, and we have left Brighton after an excellent four days. Over the Conference we have listened, spoken, debated matters fiercely, and voted on party policy.
Over 300 members attended Conference for the first time, and many of them made their first speech in debates on the stage too, making excellent contributions. The Exhibition and Fringes were brilliant too.
