UK Government backtracks on rejecting lone Syrian refugee children from EU

The UK will accept unaccompanied asylum-seeking children from Syria who are currently in Greece, Italy and France, the UK Government has announced.

Children registered in the three countries before the refugee deal was struck with Turkey in March will be eligible to seek refuge in the UK.

Prime Minister David Cameron said ministers would discuss with local authorities before deciding how many would be accepted.

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The move follows intense criticism over a decision to rule out taking any refugees who had already reached the EU.

Labour peer Lord Alfred Dubs had proposed an amendment to the Government’s Immigration Bill to accept child refugees from Europe but it was defeated in the House of Commons.

However, it is thought David Cameron is looking to avoid a backbench rebellion on the issue as the legislation moves forward.

Speaking to MPs during Prime Minister’s Questions, Cameron said he had been talking to Save the Children over the move.

“What I don't want us to do is to take steps that will encourage people to make this dangerous journey because otherwise our actions, however well-meaning they will be, could result in more people dying than more people getting a good life,” he said.

Tanya Steele, chief executive of Save the Children said it was a “significant announcement” for lone refugee children across Europe.

“Refugee children, many of whom have fled war and persecution and have made dangerous journeys to Europe alone are now living on the streets, in overcrowded camps or locked in police detention," she said.

“The Prime Minister has today offered a lifeline to these vulnerable children and we will work with the government and the UN to ensure that these commitments are rapidly implemented so that thousands of lone, vulnerable children can reach safety in the UK in the coming months.”