London: Britain might take in refugee children who have been displaced by the war in Syria and have travelled to other countries in Europe, a government minister said on Sunday.
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said the government was considering whether it could do more for the estimated 3,000 children who have fled the conflict without their parents or guardians and are in Europe.
Asked whether the government was close to agreeing to calls from relief groups for Britain to admit the children, Greening told Sky News television: "That's what we are doing and I think that is the right thing."
Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said Britain would accept 20,000 refugees over the next five years from camps in the Middle East, as opposed to those who have already made it to Europe.
Critics say that response has been meagre when compared with the 1.1 million asylum seekers who arrived in Germany last year. Campaign groups and more than 80 Church of England bishops have urged Cameron to do more.
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said the government was considering whether it could do more for the estimated 3,000 children who have fled the conflict without their parents or guardians and are in Europe.
Asked whether the government was close to agreeing to calls from relief groups for Britain to admit the children, Greening told Sky News television: "That's what we are doing and I think that is the right thing."
Critics say that response has been meagre when compared with the 1.1 million asylum seekers who arrived in Germany last year. Campaign groups and more than 80 Church of England bishops have urged Cameron to do more.
Advertisement
© Thomson Reuters 2016
COMMENTS
Advertisement
2 Children Injured In France Stabbing "Still Critical" Turkey Won't Allow New Syrian Refugees After Quake: Minister 12-Foot-Tall Puppet Named "Little Amal" Reaches New York To Raise Awareness About Syrian Refugees Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Recalled To Academy, Training Put On Hold Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment "No Defamatory Remarks Against Governor": High Court To Mamata Banerjee Admission Deadline Extended For EWS And Special Needs Children UGC Launches Project To Develop 22,000 Books In Indian Languages IPS Officer's Husband Laundered Money In India, Abroad: Probe Agency Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.