Medway Green Party has slammed the council's Tory administration for its "shameful" stance on refugees, following a House of Lords report published yesterday.

A committee of House of Lords spent months investigating the conditions endured by lone children across Europe, and its report criticises the British Government and other governments for "fundamentally" failing to fulfill their obligations under EU and international law to receive and protect children.

Evidence also suggests a lack of "burden-sharing" between UK local authorities - a subject which was under the spotlight last week as Medway leader Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) reiterated that the government needed to lead the way on the issue, before the council voted against a motion to offer support to young refugees.

Steve Dyke, Medway Green Party Officer said the party had been calling for the council to "do its bit" for some time and the latest report highlighted the need for an adequate response.

"It is shameful that the Tory contingent of Medway Council appears unwilling to even explore options," he said. "While it is understandable that council funds are limited, it is the Tory Government that has caused funding difficulties with its austerity driven agenda. It is up to our Tory-led Council and Tory MPs to be at the forefront of ensuring that the Government meets its obligations by seeking additional funding".

Welcoming the House of Lords report, Jean Lambert, who is the Green Party migration spokesperson, said: "The UK is not yet acting fully on its responsibilities for children, such as those at Calais. It knows what needs to be done, it just needs to do it.

"There are lone children in France who have a legal right to come to Britain, the Home Office knows this yet these vulnerable youngsters are still in the camps facing horrific living conditions and the danger of exploitation, violence and forced labour.

"The UK government cannot allow this to continue, and it must make sure local councils have resources to welcome these children and other refugees who need our help."