Disabled children are being left to suffer in Syrian refugee camps as the Coalition government is stalling on their promise to provide shelter for them.
It is more than six weeks since Prime Minister David Cameron promised to act with “the greatest urgency” and help 500 of the most vulnerable and their families who have fled the civil war in Syria.
But so far no refugees have been brought to the UK.
At the end of January, Mr Cameron said: “We will be coming forward with a scheme to help the most needy people in those refugee camps and offer them a home in our country.”
Priority would go the victims of torture and sexual violence and those with disabilities.
Yesterday when the Mirror asked how many Syrian refugees have been brought to Britain since the Government made its pledge, a spokesperson would only say: “The UK is on track to deliver its pledge to provide emergency sanctuary for displaced Syrians who are particularly vulnerable, working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”
Since the conflict began three years ago 2.5million Syrian refugees have fled their homeland. Many are currently trapped in extreme poverty in camps in neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children, said: “We welcome the UK government’s commitment to offer refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrians fleeing the war.
“But we want to see the UK welcoming thousands rather hundreds of refugees, and working closely with the United Nations to make this happen quickly.”
David Hanson MP, Labour’s Shadow Immigration Minister, said: “The Government promised to act urgently to offer help to the most vulnerable Syrian refugees including disabled children - they are breaking that promise.
“The Prime Minister and Home Secretary need to explain why not one desperate refugee has been helped and what they are going to do to put this right this week.
“People are living in very desperate conditions and the most vulnerable Syrian refugees need urgent help.
“The Government promised rapid action for those such as disabled children and victims of rape and violence who are at risk in the camps.
“The Home Secretary needs to explain what is holding things up and make sure it is now put right. The plight of vulnerable refugees is too serious for long delays.”