More than 150 local councillors have joined forces to condemn the Government’s suspension of the refugee family reunion scheme, urging an urgent reversal.
The scheme, which allows refugees in the UK to be joined by their children or partners, was paused earlier this month while rules are rewritten, with new guidance not expected until spring 2026.
The then home secretary Yvette Cooper said at the beginning of September that the rules ‘were designed many years ago to help families separated by war, conflict and persecution’ but are now out of date.
The joint statement, coordinated by the Migrant Champions Network and sent to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, warns that refugees in UK communities now face months of anguish, unable to safely reunite with loved ones.
Mary Atkinson, network coordinator, said the move ‘flies in the face of logic, and of compassion,’ calling on the Government to work with local leaders to support families and rebuild hope.
