Britain must take in the children who are fleeing war in Syria without their parents, David Cameron is warned amid claims Britain could rescue thousands more 

David Cameron is considering pleas for Britain to take in thousands of unaccompanied refugee children who have escaped from Syria and Afghanistan.

Charities, led by Save the Children, have pressed the Government for months to do more for thousands of children - many of whom have reached Europe.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn raised the pressure for Government action on a visit to 'The Jungle' camp in Calais.

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Thousands of migrants, including many children, are still travelling to get into Europe - despite freezing conditions in the Balkans, pictured

David Cameron is reportedly considering demands for Britain to take in thousands of unaccompanied children who are making the journey alone

The Observer said today an announcement from ministers was 'imminent'.

Whitehall sources downplayed the report - suggesting any change would mirror work already ongoing to bring refugees directly from refugee camps in the Middle East rather than those already in Europe. 

Temperatures have plunged in eastern Europe, where thousands of travelling migrants are camped.

So far, Mr Cameron has insisted the Government is right to go to refugee camps and rescue those most in need directly - announcing last year 20,000 highlighted by the United Nations would be brought to Britain by 2020.

He has argued moving people around Europe once they are already safe will only act a draw for more people.

Speaking in Calais yesterday, Mr Corbyn said: 'Along with other EU states, Britain needs to accept its share of refugees from the conflicts on Europe's borders, including the horrific civil war in Syria.

'We have to do more. As a matter of urgency, David Cameron should act to give refuge to unaccompanied refugee children now in Europe – as we did with Jewish Kindertransport children escaping from Nazi tyranny in the 1930s.

'And the government must provide the resources needed for those areas accepting refugees – including in housing and education – rather than dumping them in some of Britain's poorest communities.'

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: 'I have repeatedly called for the UK to take in 3,000 unaccompanied refugee orphans and the government must now move from 'looking' at the issue to actually rolling out a plan to offer these youngsters a home.

'Those who have made it to European shores now face cold winters, harsh conditions and are vulnerable to traffickers and those who want to exploit them.

'Every moment longer the Prime Minister takes to decide leaves a child alone, without protection and without a future.

'We must open our hearts to those in need and I will keep pressing at this for as long as it takes. We can and must help.'

Shadow home secretary Andy Burnham told the Observer: 'Such a gesture would endear Cameron to other EU leaders when he needs support in negotiations over the UK's position in the EU.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn met migrants in Calais yesterday and said Britain should take in more children

'The prime minister would most probably get a better hearing from EU partners on his demands on free movement in advance of the referendum.'

Save the Children worker Valentia Bollenback, who is currently in Presevo, said last week: 'Instead of focusing on closing their borders, Europe's government should be doing more to give people fleeing war a dignified and humane reception.'

Asked by Mr Farron about unaccompanied children in the Commons in October, Mr Cameron said: 'We have taken the decision as a country to take 20,000 refugees and we think that it is better to take them from the camps instead of from inside Europe.

'I repeat today that we will achieve 1,000 refugees brought to Britain and housed, clothed and fed before Christmas.

'On his specific question about the 3,000 children and the proposal made by Save the Children, I have looked at the issue very carefully and other NGOs and experts point to the real danger of separating children from their broader families.

'That is why to date we have not taken that decision.'