On Monday the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out significant reforms to the UK’s asylum and returns policy.In response to this news, Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said:
“Yesterday’s announcement marks a major change to the UK government’s approach to children and families seeking sanctuary in the UK.
“We must remember that every child seeking sanctuary is, first and foremost, a child – deserving of the same love, care and security that all children need to thrive.
“We have serious concerns that proposals to make refugee protections temporary would cause extreme uncertainty and anxiety for children, undermining their ability to integrate in their local community and work towards a positive future.
“Time works differently for children, and for some, this will be the only country and the only home they have ever known.
“Whilst many refugees are in work – and we fully agree that those entitled to work should do so – we know that work does not always pay enough to keep children out of poverty. We are therefore extremely concerned that proposals to extend the route to settlement for refugees up to 20 years could mean that a group of children, including some born in the UK, could experience the pervasive impact of poverty throughout their entire childhood, without any access to the safety net available to others.
“Many children coming to the UK to seek sanctuary have already faced momentous challenges, including conflict and persecution, and, as a society, it’s our responsibility to provide safety and protection today, and a path to a more hopeful future tomorrow.
“The UK has a proud history of providing sanctuary to children fleeing danger abroad. We look forward to working with the government to make sure children’s welfare remains at the heart of our approach.”