Sadiq Khan launches blistering attack at move to end Dubs scheme for child refugees
Sadiq Khan has launched a blistering attack on the
Government after it emerged just 350 lone child refugees will be welcomed
into Britain under the so-called Dubs Amendment.
The Mayor said “ministers should collectively hang their heads in
shame” to end the agreement which campaigners hoped would see 3,000
unaccompanied children enter the UK.
In a low-key announcement, immigration minister Robert Goodwill
said the scheme is set to close after another 150 refugees have been brought to
Britain after it was revealed 200 have arrived so far through the route.
Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs spearheaded the measure last year which
requires the Government to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from other
countries in Europe.
But in a written statement, Mr Goodwill revealed only 350 children
would be relocated through the amendment before it ends which provoked a
furious backlash from politicians, bishops and charities.
Mr Khan said the Government was “shunning” its responsibility to
help the world’s most vulnerable children.
He said: “Ministers should collectively hang their heads in shame
for their decision to end the Dubs Amendment, which was helping to transform
the lives of children caught up in the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“In London, we have a proud history of welcoming and supporting
refugees seeking sanctuary and helping them to rebuild their lives.
“That’s why as an MP I voted in favour of the Dubs Amendment, and
it’s why as Mayor I am proud to have worked with London councils who have
provided support for unaccompanied asylum seeking children, including those
that have arrived via the Dubs route.
“As a country, we cannot shun our responsibility to do our part in
helping some of the most vulnerable children in the world.
“This is bigger than party politics and I strongly urge the
Government to reverse its decision and to work with London councils to support
our ongoing efforts to help vulnerable children who are in desperate need.”
Tom Viita, head of advocacy at Christian Aid, said: "After
Trump's refugee ban in recent weeks, it is shocking to see the UK sending out
another deeply worrying message to the rest of the world.
"Theresa May and her government need to be pulling Trump up,
rather than following him downwards."
The Bishop of Croydon, the Rt Rev Jonathan Clark, added: “By
refusing to help those children you are in effect helping the trafficking
industry."
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are not giving up on
vulnerable children who are fleeing conflict and danger.
"Thanks to the goodwill of the British public and local
authorities, in the last year alone we have provided refuge or other forms of
leave to more than 8,000 children.
"Our commitment to resettle 350 unaccompanied children from
Europe is just one way we are helping."
Source: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/sadiq-khan-launches-blistering-attack-at-move-to-end-dubs-scheme-for-child-refugees-a3462131.html
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