It is both disgusting and alarming when the political class of the country trade the plight of refugees as criticism over the dispatch box at Prime Minister’s Questions. If one were sticking up for their rights, that would be less alarming, but when both are rushing to shut down the rights of a refugee family fleeing a brutal conflict, things are very wrong.
A scheme to shout from the rooftops
The Ukrainian Refugee Settlement Scheme is something that makes me swell with pride both in my country and, in a rare occasion, the government. Introduced by the government in 2022, the scheme allows any Ukrainian citizen or their immediate family members fleeing the war in their country to come to the UK if they can find a sponsor in the community. Here we can see Britain supporting friends from other nations, helping them in their time of need.
In January 2024, a family from Gaza applied to come to Britain via the Ukrainian Refugee Settlement Scheme after living in a humanitarian zone and a refugee camp during the ongoing conflict in Palestine. They applied to join the sibling of one of the parents who had lived in the UK since 2007 and is a British citizen. The family applied for the Ukrainian scheme in the hope of using the Home Office’s “applications for entry clearance outside the rules”. The family were rejected because the government did not believe there were “compelling, compassionate circumstances” to justify their application and because they were Palestinian as opposed to Ukrainian with no scheme for them. After two appeals, the family were allowed to stay in Britain thanks to a “loophole”.
Shameful behaviour
Outrage in the upper political circles. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch berates the Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and he promises to close the loophole; in effect closing the door on any more Palestinians fleeing the death and destruction in Gaza.
So, when did the terror and trauma experienced by those in war-torn countries become such a taboo topic? When did the idea of helping them become unthinkable? Why is a former human rights lawyer using his power as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to close “loopholes” that allow fleeing families safety in Britain rather than helping them? No less can be expected from the leader of the opposition and her cohorts but can better not surely be expected of the Prime Minister?
What is the difference between a family fleeing war and destruction in Ukraine and a family fleeing war and destruction in Palestine? They’re both human, both suffering, both in need of our help.
No loopholes in humanity
The answer is simple, there is no difference. And as for the loophole, there is no loophole. Not when it comes to offering your help to your fellow citizen of the world and demonstrating your humanity. No ifs, no buts, no loopholes; if you have humanity in your heart and the welfare of the people at the forefront of your mind, there is only answer, one way forward. You help wherever you can, you help however you can and you help whoever you can; no loopholes and no exceptions. Whatever comes of this now will show the humanity of our politicians. But the outrage and the pledges to close the ‘loophole’ do not give things a good start. Britain and its people are a nation of compassionate and caring people, helping those in need where they can. It is not for the politicians to undo.
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