Last
week a number of constituents wrote to me to ask if I would show my support for
World Refugee Day by attending a Backbench Business Debate led by Angus MacNeil
MP on refugee family reunion in the Commons on Thursday 20 June.
I
regret to inform them that I was unable to attend the debate as I was welcoming
the Taiwanese Ambassador to Cornwall on Thursday and as such was not in
Westminster.
However,
I fully recognise that it is time for us to have a grown up and mature debate
about our current arrangements on enabling refugees to reunite in the UK.
Angus
MacNeil MP is hoping to secure legal changes to enable real and meaningful
changes for refugees through his Refugees (Family Reunion) Private Members
Bill. I have recently accepted an invitation from Angus to sit on the bill
committee to scrutinise the legislation to ensure it is fit for purpose. As
such I will be very much involved in examining this issue closely in due
course. I will be sure to speak up for constituents when the committee meets.
Britain
has a proud history and tradition of giving sanctuary to those who are fleeing
conflict and persecution. The Syrian refugee resettlement programme in
particular has proved to be a great success for the refugees who have come here
and for the communities who have received them, and I welcome the government's
announcement this week that it is extending the programme to allow vulnerable
refugees from other parts of the world to find sanctuary here.
As
we leave the EU, we need to build a new immigration system that not only works
for our businesses but also is humane and compassionate to those who are most
vulnerable and in need of sanctuary.
