Local authorities are right to call on the government to provide adequate funding to support unaccompanied child refugees (Report, theguardian.com, 21 February).
In 2016, local authorities across the UK stepped up and offered at least 3,000 places to unaccompanied minors under the Dubs scheme. Their offer was turned down by the government, which insisted the country could only welcome 480 children. Since then, councils have continued to lead this country’s efforts to help child refugees, giving thousands a chance to rebuild their lives.
The charity Safe Passage is campaigning with Lord Dubs for the government to welcome 1,000 child refugees a year. Safe Passage has worked closely with councils that are keen to do more but whose hands are tied by funding issues.
This government, responsible for the world’s fifth largest economy, has a choice. Make a long-term commitment to resettle children and give councils the funds they need to make this a reality. Or turn its back on the thousands of unaccompanied minors surviving in camps, shelters and on the streets in Europe and conflict zones.
Juliet Stevenson
Actor and Safe Passage supporter
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