Northampton asylum group scolds Government for 'closing door' on unaccompanied child refugees

A Northampton refugee campaign group says the Government is "going backwards" after ending sanctuary in the UK for unaccompanied child asylum seekers.

Last week, immigration minister Chris Philip announced there would no longer be a legal route to Britain for asylum-seeking children from Europe.

The only children still able to seek help in the UK are those who have relatives in Britain, who Mr Philip said would be able to come to Britain through the existing immigration rules.

Campaign group 'Northampton Town of Sanctuary' - which is working for the borough to be accredited as an option where refugees can be rehomed - yesterday criticised the decision.

Chair Dr Graham Smith said: "To my mind we are not doing are fair share. The Government is going backwards.

"These are children we're talking about. Through no fault of their own they have been displaced from their home and they are not going to just find their way here.

"I don't think it's right and I think the vast majority of Northampton if they were aware of the situation wouldn't agree with it."

The decision last week is in opposition of the Dubs Amendment, which was passed in May 2016 under David Cameron in response to an increase in refugees forced to flee from the Syrian war and required ministers to relocate asylum-seeking children.

Campaigners have warned refusing to allow unaccompanied children a legal route in would create opportunities for trafficking gangs.

There has also been mounting pressure on ministers to offer safe passage to child refugees in northern France, where charities say there are currently nearly 288 lone minors who are hoping to reach Britain but do not have relatives in the country.

There are reportedly 5,000 unaccompanied children in England currently being cared for by local authorities.

Mr Chris Philip says the government had decided to "focus on ensuring that we can care for those who are already here before we agree to taking more children."

He said in the House of Commons: "The Home Office takes its responsibility for the welfare of children very seriously.

"However, responsibility for asylum seekers and refugees in EU member states lies with the authorities of the safe EU country in which they are present in accordance with their international obligations.”

Northampton Town of Sanctuary is campaigning for to put Northampton to be accredited as a 'town of sanctuary' where refugees can be rehomed.