Calais children: Message from Bishop Jonathan Clark, Citizens UK

Bishop Clark

Yesterday I was with faith and community leaders at St Michael's Church in Croydon, waiting to welcome a handful of children from the Jungle Camp in Calais. As the children walked off the coach we all felt joy that our campaign had made a difference. Every child rescued is a victory we should celebrate.

But there are hundreds left, and every child left unprotected in the Jungle Camp in Calais is one too many.

The Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, has promised that 'more' will be arriving in the coming days. But how many? And when? I'm impatient for these answers. We all should be.

Every day we lose is another night of risk, cold and uncertainty for hundreds of refugee children still in Calais. Every day is closer to the chaos of demolition.

Last week, hundreds of you asked Amber Rudd to meet with us to discuss arrangements for these children.

The action she's taken is good, but it isn't enough. Not nearly enough.

That's why we're taking the government to court. They can and must live up to their legal duties to these children.

Will you stand with us and help take this case to the highest court in the land?

If Amber Rudd won't meet with us to discuss the welfare of these children, we have no option but to ask the courts to intervene.

We know that people with power don't give it away easily. But in an age of cynicism we've proved that when ordinary people come together, we can make a difference.

In solidarity,

Bishop Jonathan Clark
Citizens UK

PS From Seeking Sanctuary: Today the judge at the Lille Tribunal announced a rejection of the demand that the evictions should take place with less haste. They are now expected to start on Monday next.

There are now over 10,000 migrants in and around Calais (September 2016) and many more near Dunkirk. 'Seeking Sanctuary' aims to raise awareness about this situation and is organising basic humanitarian assistance through Faith Communities and Community Organisations in partnership with experienced aid workers.

For further information on how you or your organisation can help, contact Ben Bano on 07887 651117 or Phil Kerton on 01474 873802. To check the latest news, visit: www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com.