ANAS Sarwar, the former deputy leader of Scottish Labour, has teamed up with former colleague David Miliband to help Syrian refugees arriving on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Mr Sarwar is attempting to raising £35,000 within the next two weeks to acquire and deliver two ambulances to Lesbos.

He has set up an appeal called "Glasgow Cares" and contacted the International Rescue Committee (IRC), whose chief executive is former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband. The IRC, a US-based charity, is leading international efforts to help Syrian refugees find a safe haven.

Mr Sarwar, who is expected to bid to become an MSP next May, said he had agreed to the IRC’s request for the provision of the ambulances for the island.

The development comes as Scottish Secretary David Mundell visited South Lanarkshire Council, which has offered to participate in the UK Government’s Resettlement Programme.

Commending the part Scottish councils are playing in the UK effort to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees, Mr Mundell said: "My meetings with local authorities in recent weeks, including South Lanarkshire Council today, emphasised they all appreciate the scale of the task and they are all willing to help the most vulnerable refugees become fully integrated within local communities."

Mr Sarwar said: “I asked David and his team what could be done to make a real difference and they immediately highlighted the need for ambulances and medical aid.

“There are 4000 refugees arriving every day on Lesbos and currently there is no immediate health provision. As the weather starts to turn there is an increasing incidence of hypothermia, people with mild fractures and other medical problems.

"There are currently only 2 or 3 ambulances on the entire island, which is obviously prioritised for local residents."

He added: "This will be a city-wide campaign. We will be looking to get support from those with a track record of giving to important causes, people from all communities including the churches, mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras and temples."