The Jewish Labour Movement is dismayed that the Home Office has reversed its decision to accept any more unaccompanied child refugees via the Dubs amendment after March 2017. This means that only 350 unaccompanied minors will have been allowed to enter the UK under the amendment, which originally promised 3000 vulnerable children safe passage and resettlement in the UK.

We call upon the government to reconsider its decision to accept just 10% of the promised number of unaccompanied children. We also urge the government to ensure that the Dublin system of family reunification works faster and to its fullest extent, so that other child refugees can be returned to close members of their family in the UK as soon as possible.

Responding to the decision, Lord Alfred Dubs, who came to the UK on the Kindertransport responded to the government’s decision by saying that:

"Britain has a proud history of welcoming refugees. At a time when Donald Trump is banning refugees from America, it would be shameful if the UK followed suit by closing down this route to sanctuary for unaccompanied children just months after it was opened." […] "I urge the prime minister to show leadership by continuing and building on this programme, not shutting the door to some of the most vulnerable refugee children."

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Reading List:

Sadiq Khan launches blistering attack at move to end Dubs scheme for child refugees – Evening Standard

Nicholas Winton’s daughter urges PM to reverse closure of Dubs’ refugee scheme – Jewish News UK

Yvette Cooper: Tory closure of the Dubs scheme for child refugees is shameful - LabourList

Jonathan Arkush writes to Home Secretary over concerns about ending Dubs amendment on refugee children – Board of Deputies of British Jews

Reform Judaism responds to ending of Dubs scheme for child refugees – The Movement for Reform Judaism

End of Dubs Amendment is ‘shameful decision’ – Liberal Judaism

Ending the 'Dubs Amendment' Refugee Scheme – Masorti Judaism