Lords defy government in vote over post-Brexit rights for child refugees
Fiona Simpson
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Campaigners are celebrating after the House of Lords voted in support of an amendment to the immigration bill to protect the rights of child refugees after Brexit.
The clause, tabled by Alf Dubs, a former child refugee, and three other peers aims to ensure that children entering the UK have the right to be reunited with their family reunion.
It would also see EU/ EEA and Swiss National children in care and care leavers fast tracked through the EU Settlement Scheme and given settled status in the UK.
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The clause, also known as the Dubs amendment, 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.
The amendment was voted for by a majority of 317 votes to 223 against.
In December last year, the PM told MPs he was “absolutely committed to ensuring that this country will continue to receive unaccompanied children” after Brexit.
— Alf Dubs (@AlfDubs) October 5, 2020
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The amended bill will return to the House of Commons.
Lord Dubs said: “Families should be together. The government defeat today demonstrates the strength of feeling that we should not abandon our humanity and compassion by removing the right of children to be reunited with relatives here in the UK.
“I would now urge the government to put their own words into practice, by rethinking its policy and supporting this amendment when it comes before the Commons.”
The Children’s Society are among organisations celebrating the government defeat.
Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children’s Society said: “We are delighted that the House of Lords has voted in favour of granting European children in care and care leavers in the UK a fast track route to status through the EU Settlement Scheme.
“The result clearly demonstrates that the current Bill fails to support some of the most vulnerable children living in the UK and, without action, the government risks many young people becoming undocumented once free movement comes to an end.
“While today’s vote does not guarantee this change in law, these measures have cross party support and we strongly encourage Ministers to uphold the result of today’s vote as the Bill progresses onto its final stages. It is vital that safeguards are put in place to protect the futures of European children in British care.”
Beth Gardiner-Smith, the chief executive of Safe Passage International, added: “This defeat should be a wakeup call to the government that providing a safe and legal way for vulnerable refugee children from Europe to be reunited with their families is not only the moral thing to do, but the will of a cross-party collaboration across the house and local authorities.”