We read with interest that the prime minister has agreed to take in more Syrian refugees (David Cameron says UK will take thousands more Syrian refugees, 4 September). Given our history, we believe that Britain is well-placed to take the lead in drawing up an international response to this issue. Regrettably, to date, the British government has not conducted itself in a way which is in keeping with our proud tradition. European nations should be looking outwards and engaging in international discussions to address this crisis. Instead, many – especially Britain – are turning on each other. We will judge the prime minister not by his words, but by his actions. We have therefore written to him demanding he take a number of practical steps to address this crisis.
Britain must join with our EU partners in reviewing the 1990 Dublin protocol, under which asylum seekers should be processed in the first EU country they reach. This has placed an undue burden on peripheral EU states and weakened our border protections, and the government must stop refusing to participate on the dubious grounds that we are not Schengen zone members. As part of this, we must also conduct a broader, EU-wide review of the current international arrangements for refugees. This must include funding appropriate search and rescue operations, and addressing any and all concerns about their treatment on European soil.
Finally, in line with other member states, we must take our fair share of those affected by this crisis. Britain’s full participation in the UNHCR programme for Syria’s refugees must be part of this.
Tulip Siddiq MP
Lab, Hampstead and Kilburn
Keir Starmer QC MP
Lab, Holborn and St Pancras
Catherine West MP
Lab, Hornsey and Wood Green
