Cameron U- turn on Syria child refugees
DAVID Cameron caved in to pressure yesterday and agreed that Britain will accept more Syrian child refugees.
In a major U- turn, he dropped his opposition to the UK welcoming unaccompanied children who have arrived in Europe after fleeing war at home.
His retreat followed a defeat in the Lords and threats of a revolt by Tory backbenchers in the Commons.
Mr Cameron announced his decision at Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons, saying the Government was talking to the charity Save The Children “to see what more we can do”.
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He declined to say how many youngsters would be accepted, though ministers are discussing where they could be settled with local councils.
Campaigners have been pressing for the UK to take around 3,000 children thought to be vulnerable living in camps including the “Jungle” in Calais.
Mr Cameron said only refugees who had arrived in Europe before March 10 – when a deal with Turkey to take back migrants came into force – would be allowed to come to Britain.
He said the date restriction was needed to avoid encouraging more migrants to make “this dangerous journey” from the Middle East, adding: “I think it is right to stick to the idea that we keep investing in the refugee camps and in neighbouring countries.
“We are already taking child migrants in Europe with a direct family connection to the UK and will speed that up.”
He also confirmed the Government will not seek to overturn a Lords vote in favour of Britain accepting more unaccompanied child refugees.
Czech- born Labour peer Lord Dubs, who fled the Nazis as a child and tabled the Lords amendment, said: “I trust the Prime Minister will be true to his word and ensure the Home Office works closely with local authorities to find foster families to give these young people a stable and secure home.”
Tory MP Heidi Allen, who had threatened to vote against the Government, called the U- turn “tremendous news”.
Lisa Doyle, of the Refugee Council, said it could provide “limited chances” but warned: “We shouldn’t be fooled into thinking the Government has suddenly discovered its conscience.”
The Local Government Association said councils stood ready to play their part in supporting lone minors but ministers needed to clarify funding.