Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

"Dismay" at suspension of Dubs policy

The Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, has joined leaders of four churches to express concern at the intention to suspend a programme for the safe re-settlement of unaccompanied minors seeking refuge in the United Kingdom

Child refugee 804387In what has come to be known as the “Dubs” amendment, Parliament committed, in May 2016, to an ongoing programme of resettlement for lone children. While exact figures were not given in final legislation, the number envisaged was considerably more than the limit that has now been imposed. The intention to suspend the programme was made in a written ministerial statement earlier this week.

In a joint statement and a letter to the Home Secretary Amber Rudd, the leaders urged the Government to reconsider and to adopt a policy that places the wellbeing of children above any other consideration.

Their statement points out the potentially damaging effect of signalling to already vulnerable minors that they are unlikely to find safe passage and re-settlement if they make themselves known to relevant authorities. There is compelling evidence that many such children have simply “disappeared” from the temporary refugee camps.

It also highlights work already done by churches and community groups to provide welcome and support for refugee children and families, and encourages an approach that actively seeks to engage with such agencies, rather than limiting provision to the capacity of Local Authorities.

Signing the letter and statement alongside Mrs Green were Right Rev Dr Russell Barr, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Kevin Watson, General Assembly Moderator of the United Reformed Church, and the Revd Roger Walton and Rachel Lampard, President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference.

Mrs Green said, 'I have visited some of the temporary camps for myself and have been deeply moved both by the humanity of those who live there, and the vulnerability of unaccompanied children and young people who seek shelter within those communities.

'Many have already been robbed of much of their childhood and we have a moral responsibility to do all that we can to protect them and provide places of refuge and support.'

Dr Barr said, 'We urge UK Government ministers to reconsider and we remain willing to work with the Home Office to find creative ways to deliver on the widespread expectation on the part of the general public to achieve the goal of 3,000 children as soon as possible. 

'As Christians we believe that there is a moral imperative to ‘love our neighbour’, illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, that defines anyone in need as our neighbour regardless of race, nationality, religion, language or culture.'

Mr Watson added, 'We lament this decision made by the Government, which must do all that is within its power to recognise and uphold the rights of children fleeing conflict.'

Last Thursday (16 February) Home Secretary Amber Rudd stated that the Dubs had acted as a draw for children and people traffickers, a view shared by the French authorities. 'We don’t want to incentivise journeys to Europe,' she said.

'It acts as a pull. It encourages the people traffickers.'

The charity Help Refugees is challenging the Government’s "failure to properly implement the Dubs Amendment" in a judicial review. The closure of the Dubs Scheme is set to be debated in the House of Commons on Thursday (23 February).

 

Related:
10 Reasons Why The UK Should Accept More Refugee Children - Krish Kandiah, Christian Today


MPs warn over child refugees sleeping rough after Dubs scheme closure ahead of Commons debate on Thursday (23 February) - Guardian

 


 

Baptist Times, 10/02/2017
    Post     Tweet
‘We can choose to tell a new story – one of gracious growth’
​General Secretary Lynn Green urged Baptists to embrace a story of hope and renewal rather than decline in her closing address at the Baptist Assembly
'God's Baptist people are in good heart' - Steve Finamore's reflections
Outgoing Baptists Together President Steve Finamore shared encouraging signs of church growth and renewed hope across Baptist networks
More than 60 ministers and pastors commissioned at Baptist Assembly
Ministers who have transferred to the fully accredited list, nationally recognised pastors and recognised local ministers were commissioned and prayed, in a session which also featured the In Memoriam
Mission Resolution introduced at Assembly
Designed to build a shared understanding of mission across Baptists Together, this marks the beginning of a two-year process of discernment, dialogue, and engagement, with the goal of the resolution being adopted at the 2027 Baptist Assembly
'We thank God for all the ways that he is graciously at work in and through us'
General Secretary Lynn Green celebrated the power of collaboration across Baptists Together in sharing three highlights from the past year
'Every fellowship is a disciple making environment'
A mission conference led by BMS World Mission formed the first 24 hours of the Baptist Assembly weekend
     Latest News 
    Posted: 21/05/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast