Immigration Solicitors

The London Assembly has agreed a motion calling on the London Mayor Sadiq Khan to pressurise the government into reversing its decision on child refugee numbers and adhere to the Dublin convention in the name of Humanity.

Despite the UK government adopting the Dubs Child Refugee scheme to allow 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees from Europe into the UK, just 350 child refugees have been brought to the UK so far.

The full text of the Motion passed on Wednesday 8 March is:

“This Assembly regrets the Government’s decision to withdraw from its commitment to the Dubs Amendment. We are disappointed that only 350 unaccompanied children, of the 3,000 stipulated in the original amendment, have so far been resettled in the UK and we want the Government to reverse their decision and stand by the Dubs Amendment.

“This Assembly notes the UK’s proud record of humanitarian response, and acknowledges the action that London councils has taken to house child refugees caused by the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. We also note the continued willingness of London Boroughs to assist in the settlement of more child refugees.

“This Assembly highlights the number of vulnerable, unaccompanied children in Calais, who are at risk of people trafficking and abuse. We also recognise that the UK has a moral duty to take in youngsters who have been forced to flee their homes. The Assembly would like to see the Government to take in its fair share of child refugees.

“We call on the Mayor to make the strongest possible representations to the Government to secure a renewed commitment to settle 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees, enabling London to continue playing a vital role in resettling vulnerable children.”

The motion was agreed by 19 votes for to two votes against.

Caroline Pidgeon AM proposed the motion and said:

“It is deeply disappointing that the government has chosen to end its commitment to the Dubs Amendment after such a short period of time.

“Councils in London have stepped up and taken responsibility during a severe humanitarian crisis – the argument put forward by the government that local authorities are only able to provide 350 places for children under the Dubs scheme has been totally rebutted by local councils and the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee.

“Most importantly, we need to listen to organisations such as Save the Children and UNICEF, who highlight how important it is that safe and legal routes to the UK for child refugees are maintained.”

Joanne McCartney AM seconded the motion and added:

“It is absolutely right for the Assembly to pass this motion – London has a proud history of being open, taking in some of the most vulnerable children in the world, and offering them refuge and opportunity.

“To plan to help 3,000 children nationally and take just 350 is nothing short of disgraceful.

“The government should urgently reverse the decision to turn their backs on children who are in desperate need of our help.”

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

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