UK should take 3,000 more child refugees, MPs say

The international development select committee said it backed calls by Save the Children for the UK take in more child refugees from Europe on top of the current government commitment to accept 20,000 Syrian refugees.

It said it was concerned over the plight of unaccompanied refugee children in Europe amid reports of people trafficking.

“We urge the government to come to a quick decision on the proposal by Save the Children as this is a matter of utmost urgency,” a report by the committee said.

“We would welcome a decision by the government in favour of resettling 3,000 unaccompanied children, as recommended by Save the Children, and in addition to the current commitment to resettle 20,000 refugees from the region.”

Labour MP Stephen Twigg, who chairs the committee, said: "Having survived the treacherous journey, there is a grave possibility that unaccompanied children become the victims of people traffickers who force them into prostitution, child labour and the drugs trade. This is an issue of utmost urgency."

Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children, said the charity estimates at least 26,000 unaccompanied children entered Europe last year from countries including Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.

“These children need and deserve our help and protection,” he said.

“Left to fend for themselves, lone children are extremely vulnerable along the refugee route. Children report having been beaten, extorted and sexually abused on their journey.

“We welcome the international development committee’s urgent call for the government to accept our proposal and take in up to 3,000 children who have come to Europe without their parents or guardians.

“Britain has a proud history of helping child refugees and we can play our part now in protecting those affected by the worst humanitarian crisis since World War Two.”