David Lammy has suggested the government could reverse its decision preventing Palestinian scholars from bringing their children to the UK.
Thirty-four students from Gaza, including Chevening scholars, have been granted places at British universities and were evacuated last week with government support. But nearly all have been told they cannot bring their dependants, leaving around 20 children at risk of being separated from their parents.
Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Lammy said: “I know the intent is to bring people to study and not to cause them further pain or hardship,” hinting that ministers could soften the restrictions.
The policy stems from a wider crackdown on immigration, which prevents most international students from bringing dependants. Critics say the rule is inhumane when applied to students fleeing war.
The Chief executive of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon called the decision “excessively harsh, No one should be forced to choose between their education and their family. Family reunion is a lifeline, not a luxury.”
Oxford University, which has offered places to some of the students, warned the restrictions risked preventing “talented Gazan scholars with very young children and babies” from taking up their studies.
The students, including at least four doctors, are expected to arrive in the UK this week. Ministers are now under pressure to allow their families to join them.
