MONMOUTH MP David Davies has spoken out against criticism received following comments made about the Syrian migrant crisis.

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has called for Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, to ‘distance’ himself from the Monmouth politician after Mr Davies was quoted on BBC Radio Wales last week as saying that those seeking entry into the UK were “mostly young men, mostly with mobile phones, who are chancing their luck.”

Ms Williams said: “David Davies’ comments were absolutely appalling. Claiming that these refugees are making ‘economic choices’ to flee from war-stricken countries feeds the unfair stereotyping of asylum seekers and completely misses the point.

“I hope Andrew will choose to publicly condemn David Davies’ remarks.”

Responding to these comments, Mr Davies said: “This is a very strongly-worded statement, and Kirsty has picked up on two points I made which are inarguable.

“The majority of the people making these journeys are young males. It stands to reason that they are more likely to take on a dangerous journey like this, and I have spoken to witnesses in Budapest who have confirmed this.

“Kirsty might not be up to date with current affairs, but the UK Government has so far spent around £1billion on refugee camps in Turkey in other parts of Europe, so no one coming across the continent can say they haven’t had the opportunity to seek help in these places.

“Yes the photos of Aylan Kurdi are awful, but that poor boy was one of thousands who are at risk from people smugglers.

“If we let everyone in, it would be a free-for-all and would encourage more people to make that deadly journey.

“I agree we should be doing more, but this doesn’t include encouraging more to make that journey. There are millions of people who have been displaced by the Syrian conflict and others in the Middle East.

“We can’t allow our emotions to override our thoughts.

“As politicians, we must grieve in private, and think in public.”