Family Reunification For Unaccompanied Child Refugees

I believe section 37 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act is therefore a major breach of faith with some of the most vulnerable children in the world. It removes a requirement on the Government to negotiate an agreement with the EU after Brexit on the rights of unaccompanied refugee children to be reunited with their families in the UK and Europe. Without a new agreement, the existing provisions for unaccompanied refugee children will come to an end at the end of this year. 

I supported an amendment on 8 January to protect the right for unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with their families in the UK after Brexit. Unfortunately, it was defeated by 348 votes to 252. 

An amendment was then successfully made in the House of Lords to this effect but unfortunately when
the amendment returned to the House of Commons, and despite my support, it was once again removed by 342 votes to 254. 

I am concerned that removing access to safe and legal routes for refugee children will increase the risk of
trafficking. This proposal would have protected some of the most vulnerable children we can imagine and I am very disappointed that it was not accepted. 

The Government has said it remains committed to seeking a reciprocal agreement with the EU regarding the
family reunion of unaccompanied children – I will ensure the Government is held to account on this.  

I can assure you I will continue to press for the UK to live up to its moral and legal obligations to
child refugees and their families. Thank you once again for contacting me and for sharing your views on this important issue.