MSF Statement on the Home Secretary’s decision to suspend refugee family reunion

 'The Home Secretary’s decision to suspend refugee family reunion ahead of introducing more restrictive rules is cruel, reckless and counterproductive. ​ By shutting off one of the last remaining safe and authorised routes to the UK, it forces people – particularly women, children and children travelling alone - to risk their lives by undertaking even more dangerous journeys to be reunited with their family in the UK. Our MSF teams in France and beyond see the devastating human cost of such harmful and restrictive asylum policies. ​ If the Government truly wants to ‘help people fleeing from persecution and conflict’, as referenced in yesterday’s statement, then it must reverse this punitive decision and urgently expand safe routes for people seeking safety in the UK.'