The Home Office is putting unaccompanied child refugees as young as 14 in hotels even though ministers have promised to end the practice. In the past week it has block-booked more hotels on the south coast after becoming overwhelmed by the number of children crossing the Channel in small boats. A new law taking effect within five weeks will make it illegal to put vulnerable children in “unregulated accommodation,” which includes hotels. SponsoredLast night 69 charities wrote to Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, demanding that he take over responsibility for the care of child refugees from Priti Patel, the home secretary. Home Office sources said more than 120 unaccompanied children had arrived in small boats this month.

Source: The Times July 29, 2021 21:01 UTC