Should child asylum seekers be returned to the dangers of Afghanistan?

[sandyRoe]

They've travelled half way across the world to find security and safety. Why can't they stay?

[buildersmate]

Because they are just junior versions of the economic migrant. Otherwise why didn't they go asylum-seeking to Pakistan or Iran.

[Nosha123]

why didnt they stop at the first safe country they got to?
Why did they continue to the UK - all that way - when France or Italy would have been perfectly safe too?

Not challenging.. just asking

[McMouse]

The issue seemed to be not whether they should be returned, rather should they be returned unaccompanied. They presumably managed to get here on their own.......what's the problem?

[Nosha123]

where on earth would they stay too - if under 18 and children they cant just stick em in a B&B or halfway house!!!

[coccinelle]

Nosha, to move around France or Italy you need to have proof of identity ie an identity card. In the UK you don't.

[Nosha123]

but surely they can all quote 'political asylum' at any other EU country no???
whats the point of asylum policies if only the UK allow them in - without papers or ID cards???

[jake-the-peg]

Why do refugees come to the UK rather than the first safe country?

Because English is such a universal language. It's the only one spoken more as a second language than a first.

Chances are that they will have one member of the familly that speaks some.

If you needed to flee the UK for your life would you go to France, Germany or cross the entire language to the US or Canada?

There are also cultural issues depending on the history and involvement. You won't find that many North African refugees in the UK compared to in France for example.

[joeluke]

Yep, send em back

[joeluke]

^

'Why do refugees come to the UK rather than the first safe country?'


Because we are a soft touch and they wouldn't get the easy benefits they get here elsewhere

They see this country as the pot of gold at the end of the European rainbow

[Zeuhl]

Also, the British have done an amazing job (unconsciously I assume) for a hundred years or more of presenting to the world a captivating image of Britain, the British, British culture etc etc.

I am always amazed (and rather touched) when speaking to people all over the world who have no intention or need to be 'economic immigrants' into this country (often living very comfortably in very nice places) how often they say they would love to visit or indeed live here.

It's not an eye on our benefits system or NHS - Malaysia for example has a very nice standard of living and health care - it's a starry eyed love for the place based on notions of I don't know what; football, basil fawlty, the royal family, british fair play, music, shakespeare who knows?

People all over the world just seem to believe it's a great place to be.

Let's just hope they don't all try and come here.

.

[Zeuhl]

JL

aren't you the one who admitted earlier today on another thread that you don't even possess a passport !!!!

Hardly credentials for discussing what people in other parts of the world want or think.

You should try travelling a bit. It might broaden your mind and expand your experiences.

.

[john1066]

Foreign nationals flock here because we're an easy touch--we are a 'get something for nothing' society.Let's hope Mr.Cameron can sort it out and also the dole scroungers who get more money by not working. Immigration and benefit fraud is a must. Don't you think?

[Panic Button]

If they realise they are sent straight back, the word will go around and they will stop coming.

[mollykins]

They know we are a soft touch and we won't send them back but would give them money, that's why they came here and ddin't stay in another european country.

[joeluke]

^ Zeuhl

Only people who own a passport can pass comment on why foreigners want to come to this country?

I fail to see your point, please elaborate

I DON'T profess to knowing what people in other parts of the world want or think (I suppose you do do you? I suppose you've asked a large cross section of them why they want to come here as opposed to settling in other countries have you?)

I was posting a fairly common thought among many in this country about why they come here

.......but I do apologise for being in the 'sub-inteligent group of non-passport holders' and next time I'll ask the advice of a passport holder before posting?

[rov1200]

Would we have got so many migrants from Iraq and Afghanistan if we hadn't invaded their country first? I wonder how many British have moved to Germany since WWII who are a much more successful country than ours.

[Zeuhl]

/// I do apologise for being in the 'sub-inteligent group of non-passport holders' and next time I'll ask the advice of a passport holder before posting? //

Apology accepted.

.

[babyk]

if we was running from r country and ended up in a nother country wud we get help no we wud be sent straight back! even us british dont get half of what they do no other counrty wud do it for us