The UK has a proud tradition of offering sanctuary to people fleeing persecution and violence abroad. The UK also helped establish the international system for the protection of refugees but, since 2010, our system has been undermined. Current rules now prevent refugees from joining family members in the UK, meaning close relatives are often left at risk in conflict zones. Shockingly, the UK is one of just two countries in the EU that prevents family members joining unaccompanied refugee children, leaving them at severe risk.

I support the Refugee Family Reunion Private Members’ Bill but the Government is blocking the Bill’s progression in parliament. I have joined the call for the Home Secretary to act – the separation of refugees from their families must end. See the letter, coordinated by Amnesty International, below.