Hundreds of children affected by UK’s halting of refugee family reunion, says Red Cross

The charity said: ‘People we support tell us they cannot begin to rebuild their lives until their children and family members are safely reunited with them.’ Photograph: Namning/Shutterstock

Hundreds of children every month face being separated from their families since the UK suspended refugee family reunion last September, according to analysis by the British Red Cross.

Based on examination of Home Office data of family reunion grants previously made, the charity estimates between 550 and 1,360 children could remain separated from their families for every month that refugee family reunion suspension continues. Of these, between 180 and 430 each month are likely to be unaccompanied minors.