Angus MacNeil's Bill to allow child refugees to sponsor family members receives cross-party backing
The Refugee Council, the British Red Cross and Amnesty International UK were among those who welcomed last week's House of Commons vote in favour of the Refugee Family Reunion Bill.
Image credit: UK GovernmentThe Private Member's Bill by SNP MP Angus MacNeil would allow child refugees to sponsor relatives to join them in the UK and it would restore legal aid in such cases in England and Wales, Channel 4 News reported.
You can read the full Commons debate on the Bill here. The vote on the Bill saw 129 MPs vote 'yes' against 42 for 'no'.
The Refugee Council says the cross-party backing from MPs takes it one step closer to becoming law, but Channel 4 News notes that the Government will not support it over fears that it would act as a pull factor.
Amnesty International UK says the groundswell of support in Parliament is putting growing pressure on the Government to support a change in the law.
Angus MacNeil said: "It's fantastic that this new law received the backing of colleagues from across the political divide. It's clear that this issue isn't about party politics, it's about doing the right thing and it was pretty obvious to all of us that families belong together and that children belong with their parents. I hope that Ministers come to the same compassionate conclusion: they change their mind and alter the rules – putting an end to the misery of refugee families with the stroke of a pen."
Maurice Wren, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, said the vote offers a glimmer of hope to refugee families.
"It's vital that MPs stand up for refugee families by supporting this Bill which will enable families to live together, focus on the future and rebuild their lives together in safety," Wren said.
Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, said: "Today's backing from MPs shows that, along with the British public, politicians across the spectrum care deeply about reuniting refugee families.
"There are hundreds of child refugees in the UK who have arrived alone. On their arrival in the UK they face a multitude of new struggles - a new language and culture as well as the psychological fallout from incredibly traumatic experiences back in their home country.
"MPs voting in favour of the Bill today is a significant step towards reuniting vulnerable children with their families. As the Bill continues its journey through parliament we hope that MPs continue to show their support and send a message to the Government that child refugees in this country have the right to be reunited with their families."
Writing in The Times to explain the Government's opposition to the Bill, immigration minister Caroline Nokes said: "Those who – with all good intention – try to promote and encourage alternative pathways to the UK could be putting the people they are trying to help in danger."