​Public to show mass support for refugees in peril across Europe

Thousands are expected at events in Glasgow and Edinburgh in support of refugees who have died trying to flee war and persecution.

Nearly 3,000 people have said they are attending a candlelit vigil at 2.30pm in George Square next Saturday, 12 September, hosted by Glasgow Sees Syria.

On the same day and time an identical protest, Edinburgh Sees Syria, outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh expects thousands of peaceful protesters to attend.

The death of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, who drowned with his brother Galip, five, and mother Rhian, lying face down on a Turkish beach have shocked the world.

We have to ensure that refugees can reach Europe safely

Both events will also call for the UK government to take in more refugees.

The events coincide with other protests in the UK and around Europe.

The Glasgow event is being organised by human rights activist Fuad Alakbarov.

Fuad said: "There is a Scotland that is represented by people of compassion and people of welcome and people who believe in the fundamental principles of human rights."

The UK events are hoping to influence Theresa May ahead of her attending a meeting of the EU's 28 member states for emergency talks on the escalating crisis.

Solidarity with Refugees, the campaign group organising the London protests, said: “It is vital that she takes with her the conviction that the British people that she represents are open to helping refugees and that we can’t continue to allow thousands to die trying to reach the EU and their legal right to claim asylum.

“We have to ensure that refugees can reach Europe safely. There needs to be either official safe transport provided, or if people could apply for asylum from outside the EU they would be able to enter by official routes.”