Immigration Bill: MPs vote to scrap child refugee rights after Brexit

The House of Commons last night (20 October) voted against keeping a clause to ensure that children in the UK with the right of free movement who are in care, and those who are entitled to care leaving support, are automatically granted indefinite leave to remain under the European Union (EU) Settlement Scheme in the Immigration Bill.

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The clause, known as amendment three, was voted down by 330 to 262 votes.

MPs also voted by 327 votes to 264 to remove an amendment made by peers which would have required the government to ensure unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the EU continue to be relocated with close relatives in the UK.

The clause, tabled by Alf Dubs, a former child refugee, would also see EU/European Economic Area and Swiss National children in care and care leavers fast tracked through the EU Settlement Scheme and given settled status in the UK.

The clause, also known as the Dubs amendment or amendment four, is currently covered by EU legislation known as the Dublin III treaty but is set to expire on 31 December when the UK’s Brexit transition period comes to an end. 

It was last voted down by 77 votes in the Commons in June compared with 63 yesterday.

Immigration charity Safe Passage UK said the drop in votes to scrap the amendment was “positive”.

“Momentum is with us and the clock is ticking. The government must act now to protect family reunion before 31 December,” the charity said on Twitter.

Ahead of the vote, Dubs tweeted: “What could be more fundamental to our humanity than protecting vulnerable children from criminality and ensuring they can get safely to their family here?

“I urge MPs to support amendment four.”

The Bill will return to the House of Lords later today.