AN MP says Bournemouth could play a part in the intensifying Syrian refugee crisis, comparing their plight to the Jews fleeing Nazi Germany.

The image of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, who lay lifeless on a beach after drowning in a failed bid to escape the war-torn region, sent shockwaves throughout the world on Wednesday.

A petition calling for the UK to accept more refugees has been signed by more than 300,000 people, forcing a parliamentary debate.

And on Friday Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to allow “thousands” more to settle in the UK.

Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, said: “I would have no objection to Bournemouth playing its part.

“Look at the Jewish community in Bournemouth – they fled from persecution in Nazi Germany and are now an integral part of the town.”

He said, however, that a distinction must be made between economic migrants and “genuine refugees”.

He welcomed Mr Cameron's intervention, adding: “I think it was becoming embarrassing that we were being lectured, by all people, the Germans, on our record of dealing with refugees."

The problems, Mr Burns said, were a “consequence of Mr Blair’s invasion of Iraq” which had resulted in western leaders failing to confront ISIS because they are “paralysed by the fear of public opinion”.

Bournemouth East MP and foreign office minister Tobias Ellwood said “all countries are looking to see what more they can do”.

“It’s worth pointing out that we’ve already taken 5,000 Syrian refugees including 750 requiring urgent medical attention,” he said.

“The challenge is the refugee crisis itself is a mixture of economic migration along with those who are genuinely seeking asylum.

“I’m in Jordan at the moment working with the Jordanians to see what more we can do with Department for International Development funding to support refugees closer to home where the money goes a lot further.”

MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Michael Tomlinson, said: “For genuine refugees we, as a country, have always been very supportive. We want to make sure that tradition continues.”

The Local Government Association has said although help offered by councils "must be on a voluntary basis where support can be adequately covered", any costs should be met by central government.