Government U Turn on 3,000 unaccompanied minors – shows that people power CAN make a difference – my MP did n’t listen but many others did – find your voice and don’t give up.  

Since returning from Northern Greece, my husband and I have been trying to raise awareness regarding the plight of refugees coming from war torn countries.  Plus we have been trying to put pressure on our Local MP Sir Edward Garnier to stand up for refugee rights in the House of Commons.

In April, I visited Edward Garnier at one of his surgeries.  I made some notes on the 20 min meeting, in a previous blog; “Trying every avenue available to say ‘this is just not good enough'”

With regard to a discussion we had around the 3000 unaccompanied minors please see below;

“The vote for the UK to accept 3000 unaccompanied minors later this month; I asked Mr Garnier if he would vote to accept these children and speak up for them in the House of Commons.  He said that he would if it was shown that there were places they could be cared for.  I instigated a discussion about the vast number of people in this country who have the willingness, capability and resources to foster these children.  So many people want to help, OK – safe guarding is paramount, but it could be done and the Government cannot hide behind bureaucracy.  I think he agreed with me on this point, but again was a little non-committal.”

I am passionate about the fact that many people in this country, are both capable and really keen to help look after orphaned children, or take refugees into their home.  There must be a way to fast track the fostering/adoption procedures to help give these children a future.

Whilst I was in Northern Greece, I received word that the vote had gone against accepting the 3000 minors, of course Edward Garnier was one of the MPs who voted against.

My husband wrote to Garnier asking for an explanation as to why he voted in this way.  The reply was not what I would have expected of an elected representative.  He referred us to an article written by a reporter caller Fraser Nelson in the Telegraph (Fraser is a Conservative supporter).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/29/david-cameron-must-continue-to-stand-firm-and-keep-europes-refug/

The lines we should pay particular attention to were underlined, just in case our attention span was not up to scratch.

My husband replied;

Dear Mr Garnier,

Thank you for taking the time to get back to me with your response. It was interesting to receive your reply justifying your vote not to allow lone refugee children into the country on the day that your party leader backed down and agreed he was wrong. It is always refreshing when someone can admit that they have made a mistake especially when that person is in a position to really help vulnerable people. Perhaps on reflection you’d like to join your party leader and admit that you got this wrong and that these defenceless and vulnerable children deserve our compassion and help?

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/pm-climbdown-syria-child…

I read the article by Fraser Nelson from the Daily Telegraph with interest (many thanks for underlining certain passages, it really helped me to understand the main thrust of his argument). I’d rather hoped that you would have your own opinions on the matter rather than referring me to a journalist. Many journalists have interesting ideas and viewpoints and having a free media is of course welcome. However, I was under the impression that elected MP’s ran the country on behalf of the people and that they are elected because they have ideas of their own which they are willing to defend and which are supported by those who vote for them. I could perhaps have cited an article from another newspaper such as The Guardian or The Independent to support my own ideas but instead preferred to tell you what I thought- it is a shame that you couldn’t have done the same.

Best Wishes,

Phil

Mr Garnier sent us the Hansard report for 25 April, as proof that the matter was discussed fully so that the correct decision could be made.  Unfortunately, Mr Garnier did not speak up regarding the 3000 children, even though he was presented with the perfect opportunity when Keir Starmer made the very same point I had only a few days earlier.

I will be going to see Mr Garnier at his next surgery … and maybe the one after that.

In the meantime – I will try to get the human story told – counteract negative press and scare tactics.  Yesterday, I again met with Nick Shaw for a quick interview.  Also, BBC Radio Leicester would like me back on the Sunday morning show with Monica (although apparently some football story about Leicester City FC is taking a lot of time ??)

I know these things are small – but they will grow – I am sure of it.  We will not give up

“You go passing right for wrong and wrong for right – people only stand for that for just so long”

Natalie Merchant