ONCE the knee-jerks and tear-jerks have subsided, it is time for a harsh, sharp reality check.

Since I failed in my bid by one vote to represent UKIP at the General Election I rarely comment on European issues, but...

German newspapers are reporting how oil-rich Arab states are blocking visas for Syrian refugees but are simultaneously offering millions to build up to 200 mosques to cope with the exodus into Germany.

Some of the richest countries in the world are both nearer geographically and culturally to most members of this tragic exodus.

According to reports from Syrian exile groups, countries like Saudi Arabia are refusing visas to Syrians as they fear the impact of more secular Arabic-speaking people disrupting Saudi civil society – you couldn’t make it up.

Indeed on Sunday last, the Organisation Of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) actually held a crisis meeting demanding that Europe do more to help the refugees – you couldn’t make it up.

This is no time for our leaders to prevaricate and pamper to the politically correct brigade and mis-led left.

They need to insist in the strongest possible terms that organisations, such as the Arab League, the Gulf Co-operation Council and the OIC itself step up to the plate, stop shirking their responsibilities and help the situation.

If, years ago, the Establishment had taken notice of instead of castigating the iconic, visionary wisdom and courage of Enoch Powell MP, Great Britain would be in a far more stable, secure and strategic position.

– Cllr Alan Preest (UKIP), Gloucestershire County Council, Lydney.