I originally voted against the Lords amendment which would have allowed unaccompanied minors in to the UK. This is consistent with the views I hold that we should not incentivise any person to put their life in danger from drowning. Accordingly, I have always supported the view that any asylum seekers should be taken from the camps near Syria and not from neighbouring EU countries. If these countries have not stopped individuals from crossing their border, or given out signals of support, then they should be looking after those who have travelled and not the UK.
I take this view as an MP not because I am against immigration, I tend to speak actively for it, but because I find it desperately sad that countries in Europe are giving out a signal of welcome which migrants are reacting to and making perilous journeys across the sea. The number of drownings is absolutely shocking. I find it appalling that our neighbours in Europe have appeared to indicate that they are willing to accept refugees and have now decided to put the shutters up. The UK's approach has been consistent and, whilst it may seem outwardly harsh to some, I believe it is more compassionate because it is less likely to cause people to make perilous journeys by sea.
I do not find the analogy with the Kinder transport to be a fair one. In that instance we were taking action to save the lives of those who were under risk of death from Hitler's Germany. Here we are talking about taking individuals who are under the care of our friends AND neighbours in mainland Europe. However, I ultimately accept that the Government had to give a little on this. I still hold the same views but voted in favour of the Government amendment to allow unaccompanied minors in from the EU but without numbers specified from these EU countries. The aim is for the Government to now work with Local Authorities to fix the numbers. It is the latter who will have to house and provide welfare for those coming in so this feels the right approach to make. I still hold concerns that this decision could send out a message to those in a desperate situation to make perilous crossings at sea but recognise that this was the will of the House and my own position was not going to succeed.