The leader of the Conservative delegation in the European Parliament, Ashley Fox, has warned that proposals for compulsory relocation of refugees and migrants will do nothing to solve the current crisis.
The European Commission has proposed a system of mandatory quotas to relocate 120,000 asylum seekers, backed by a majority of MEPs although still to be approved by national governments.
Unlike Labour, who voted for the compulsory redistribution of people across Europe, Conservative MEPs believe the focus should be on helping the people in refugee camps.
Speaking in the Parliament, Mr Fox said: "The most needy are not those who have the wealth, health and ability to walk from Syria to the borders of Europe.
"The most needy are those in the refugee camps in Turkey and Lebanon. We do not think that opening the gates of Europe to anyone who can get to the frontier is the right method of helping them".
The South West MEP added: "We also think it is wrong as a matter of principle that the EU orders member states to accept people into their countries against their will"