The Green Party in Lichfield and Burntwood has hit back at UKIP’s reaction to an appeal for refugees to be given housing in the area.
An online petition has called for Lichfield District Council to offer accommodation for 10 families.
But UKIP county councillor Jeff Sheriff, who has represented Burntwood South since 2013, has blasted the Greens for what he claims is their “emotional stupidity” on the issue.
He added: “I reject the Green Party’s emotional call for Lichfield and Burntwood to take in refugees. The Greens do not think things through – in my opinion they are a stupid and irrational party.”
But Simon Partridge, local Green branch spokesman, said the UKIP councillor had misunderstood the issues.
“Mr Sheriff is confusing immigration and asylum,” he said. “People are not leaving their countries because they don’t like their homes – they are fleeing war and persecution.
“I would refute all of his accusations – our response to the crisis has been to call on Prime Minister David Cameron to take in more refugees, because we are a caring party who cares deeply about all people.”
