A call has been made for Dover MP Charlie Elphicke to apply pressure to the government to change its approach on the refugee crisis.

Dover’s Liberal Democrat spokesman Sarah Smith said in a letter to Mr Elphicke it was time for this country to play its part.

She said: “We do not want to become a nation of people who turns its back on others.

“British leaders must call up our better natures in response to this crisis – not lend respectability to base fear and selfishness.

She said the Tory should “demonstrate the Christian faith he spoke of during his election campaign by speaking up in parliament for a change of approach”

Mr Elphicke indirectly responded in an open letter, highlighting the fact that more than 22,000 people this year have attempted to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.

More than 11 million Syrians have fled their homes after a civil war broke out in Syria and Libya.

He said: “This is not a problem which is going to disappear soon.

“I was deeply moved by the photograph of Aylan Kurdi found drowned on a Turkish beach after attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Greece.

“This brought home to all the desperate situation of these refugees. It has led people to ask what we are doing to stop any more needless deaths and protect those fleeing conflict and war.

“The UK has been leading the way, we have been the second biggest donor to Syria since the crisis began. We have provided £900m to Syria and the surrounding region since 2012.”

The money has provided 18 million food rations along with water, education and medical supplies.

Mr Elphicke said it also supplied shelter to 409,000 people who could not return home because of the conflict.

'No European country has given more than Britain' - MP Charlie Elphicke

“No European country has given more than Britain,” he said. “Of course, the long-term solution to this problem is the end of conflicts which drive so many to flee, including the escalating bloodbath in Syria.

“But in the short-term it’s vital Britain acts to play its part, and continues to help the most vulnerable. What we are doing is the right thing to do.”