Council leaders in Staffordshire have signed a letter to the prime minister and home secretary, asking them to do more to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing conflict.

Speaking at a meeting on 8th March, Cllr Jeremy Oates (leader of Tamworth Borough Council) said: "This afternoon, I was invited to, and have accepted an invite to, co-sign a letter to the prime minister and home secretary."

Cllr Oates confirmed that he had signed the letter along with other council leaders in Staffordshire.

It's understood it will be sent to the prime minister and home secretary in the next two days.

Earlier in the same meeting, councillors stood for a minutes' silence and held a minutes' applause as a mark of respect to the people of Ukraine.

The letter reads as follows:

"Dear Priti Patel and Boris Johnson,

"As the world has watched the horrific events in Ukraine, citizens living in free democratic countries have considered how they can best play their part in assisting the unfolding crisis.

"We welcome the actions taken so far by this government against the Putin regime and are proud to see that President Zelensky [of Ukraine] counts the UK among the greatest allies.

"But we must now do more.

"We write to you, as Staffordshire local authority leaders, to let you know that we stand ready and able to welcome those displaced by war in Europe.

"We have the skills, the authority and the willingness to assist in housing and supporting families seeking refuge from the horrors of war.

"And I urge you to clear a bureaucratic path as quickly as possible for these families who urgently need our assistance."