Amnesty welcomes Diane Abbott speech on 'unfair' refugee family reunion rules

MPs urged to vote for change on current restrictive and unfair rules

In a speech today, Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott announced that the Labour Party’s immigration policy will uphold respect for the humanity of migrants and the importance of family life.

Ms Abbott announced that Labour would ensure unaccompanied child refugees could be joined in the UK by their parents or guardians.

Responding to the announcement, Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, said:

“Amnesty welcomes the commitment by the Labour Party to put the humanity of migrants and the importance of family life at the heart of its immigration policy.

“Ahead of the House of Commons vote on this important issue next month, politicians have made it clear there is cross-party support for reuniting refugee families.

“Child refugees are some of the most vulnerable people in the UK. Having fled the horrors of war and persecution, many now arrive in this country facing the heart-breaking prospect that they may never see their parents or siblings again.

“Current UK rules on refugee family reunion are restrictive and unfair. Angus MacNeil’s bill on refugee family reunion has the power to change this.

“We urge MPs to attend the forthcoming vote and fully support reforms to ensure that refugee families can be reunited.”