Following the decision to admit 400 unaccompanied minors, Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer announced in the German Bundestag that swift action would be taken with regard to the admission of families with children. The EU Commission and Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the EU are already drafting a joint letter to the EU member states.

Federal Minister Seehofer said: "It is extremely important to me that we take swift action to help families with children. Taking in 400 unaccompanied minors is only a first step. The second step will follow."

The Minister also thanked the numerous municipalities in Germany which are accepting persons in need of protection every day.

He said: "The fire at Moria is a sharp reminder to all of us that things need to change in Europe. We, as the Federal Government, will do everything we can to bring about this change."

The number of families with children currently on Lesbos is not yet known.