(LD):...The
debate is timely. We heard from the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay,
that last Tuesday was World Children’s Day. In addition, last
Friday, I attended a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the
Kindertransport. The vision of one man, Sir Nicholas Winton, led
to the safe evacuation of 10,000 Jewish children from Nazi
Germany and the then Czechoslovakia. Families in Britain
volunteered to open their homes to these children. The British
people showed generosity then and, given the chance, they would
do so today. The fact is that local authorities are willing and
able to host many more refugee children than the Government will
allow them to. At the event last Friday, some of those
authorities, such as Hammersmith and Fulham, and Brighton and
Hove, were able to restate their offer to house 100 child
refugees each. Many others also indicated their willingness...
(Lab):...This
year is the 80th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary
acts of commitment to human rights in history: the decision of
this country to take in some 10,000 Jewish children rescued from
the Nazis—a point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Sheehan. Our
noble friend —I say this because I am sure the
House will agree that Alf Dubs is a friend to all, on all sides
of this House—was one of the children rescued. The noble Lord
cannot be with us in person today, but he is here in spirit, I am
sure...
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