On Tuesday 22nd September new proposals by the European Commission will be discussed by the civil liberties committee, in an effort to tackle the ‘refugee crisis’.

Measures proposed so far have been a ‘permanent relocation mechanism’, a common EU list of safe countries of origin and an effective return policy. In addition, the relocation of 120 thousand asylum seekers from Italy, Greece and Hungary to other EU member states will be debated. Parliament and Council will have an equal say on both issues.

Ahead of the debate, each political group in the European parliament was asked their views ahead of the debate, here they are now.

Roberta Metsola (EPP) No UK members

“Fortress Europe” is not an answer, but neither is abandoning our external border controls. Ministers meet again this week. They must have the political courage to act. Our Union depends on it.

Birgit Sippel (S&D) The Labour Party is a member

Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has put forward concrete plans, including the relocation of a further 120,000 refugees from Greece, Italy and Hungary and a permanent crisis relocation mechanism. We now must pressure national governments to endorse it.

Timothy Kirkhope (ECR) The Conservative Party is a member

I am hoping that we can start to look at the wider picture of how we can really begin to take on the traffickers, speed up processing and returns of economic migrants, (ensure) safe reception conditions for genuine refugees, and resources to support the refugee camps in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

I am also hoping that we ask what part each country can play, rather than enforcing a plan upon them.

Cecilia Wikstrom (ALDE) The Liberal Democrats are members

I am proud that the European Parliament sets a good example and acts as quickly as possible to help the refugees who have reached Europe.

The crisis we are witnessing right now is just a small part of the crisis that may soon strike against Europe.

Ska Keller (Greens/EFA) The Green Party is a member

In voting to approve the refugee relocation scheme without delay, the European Parliament has acted to recognise the urgency of situation and sent a strong signal to national governments.

ENF UKIP is a member

ENF stands firm in defending the interests of the European peoples. Last Thursday the European Parliament already voted in favour of the relocation of 120,000 migrants. We are opposing the ongoing mass immigration to the EU and the free passages for terrorists who hide amongst the asylum seekers. Therefore, ENF will point out the failure of Schengen and urge to control our borders.