Liberal Democrats call on local councils to protest ending of Child Refugee Scheme

Local Liberal Democrat, Cllr James Wright, has called on Norfolk County Council to protest the Government's decision to walk away from their commitment to take child refugees from Europe.

Last year, after an outpouring of public support, the Conservative Government was forced to accept an amendment to the Immigration Bill offering sanctuary to vulnerable, lone child refugees trapped in Europe. Less than a year after that decision, only 350 children have been taken in and the scheme is being closed. Local authorities are being blamed for this decision, with the Government pointing to a lack of capacity.

Norfolk County Council should make representations to Government for more funding to allow them to host more vulnerable refugee children.

Commenting Liberal Democrats spokesperson, Cllr James Wright said:

"Norfolk County Council must stand up against the Government's attempt to pass the buck on their failure to support lone child refugees. Our community wants to welcome unaccompanied children and the Government should be giving local authorities the financial resources needed to enable this."

"Back in July of last year the local Lib Dems helped persuade the County Council to do the right thing about refugees - now it is their turn to lobby for a change of heart by the Government."