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Cambridge MP loses battle for more refugees




Heidi Allen MP
Heidi Allen MP

Government shuts the door on more lone children refugees

South Cambridgeshire MP Heidi Allen’s bid for more unaccompanied child refugees to be allowed to enter the UK was defeated by just 20 votes in the House of Commons.

The Conservative backbencher had tabled an amendment to the wider children and social work Bill connected to child refugees.

Ministers announced last month that the numbers arriving under the Dubs system – introduced through an amendment by Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs, who came to Britain as a child refugee before the Second World War – was to be capped at the current 350.

Campaigners had hoped that as many as 3,000 children could be helped.

The Government said the scheme had to end because no more council spaces were available to accommodate them. However, some councils disputed that, saying they had the resources to take more unaccompanied minors.

But Allen’s amendment was defeated by 287 votes to 267, despite cross-party support, a minor Conservative revolt and a passionate speech from the MP herself.

She said: “Since the Government announced that the Dubs scheme will be closed down, local authorities across the country have stepped forward and said they can do more.

“The majority of councils don’t care where the children come from. I care that we take our fair share and help our neighbours in Europe.

“The Dubs scheme is a safe and legal route that has been protecting children who have been exploited.”



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