Vote looms on effort to give help to thousands of child refugees

LIBERAL Democrat leader Tim Farron has urged MPs to back efforts to force the Government to give sanctuary to thousands of child refugees.

MPs will vote tomorrow on a measure which would see 3,000 unaccompanied children in Europe into Britain.

The Government has agreed to take 3,000 additional refugees in addition to its previous commitment to accepting 20,000 by 2020.

However, those 3,000 are expected to come from North Africa and the Middle East and campaigners have been demanding the UK do more to help vulnerable children already in Europe who are at risk of exploitation.

Labour peer Lord Dubs, who came to the UK as part of the Kindertransport project, secured backing for an amendment to the Immigration Bill in the House of Lords which will go before MPs today.

Mr Farron said: “MPs must stand up for the values and traditions that make Britain great.

“The Government has tried to muddy the water with a concession that will not help a single child who is alone and vulnerable in Europe.

“The orphan children I have met need help and hope. Our government can offer that.

“The Prime Minister has ignored the pleas of charities and is betraying Britain’s values by doing so.”