An article in the Echo highlighted the high number of asylum seeking children in Poole compared to the regional and national average. While this is true, it is also worth pointing out that in terms of asylum seeking adults, Poole takes in a total of 0 (zero) each year. None. Bristol, Plymouth, Swindon and Gloucester all regularly host people waiting for their cases to be decided while Poole (And Bournemouth) has opted out. This report comes in response to an ask from local campaigners for Poole to bring in just 3 refugee children each year. In any case, this focus on numbers alone ignores the humanity of the situation. The SafePassage campaign was launched on the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport where 10,000 children were saved from the ravages of Nazi Germany. Surely, we can do our bit. It’s our turn now.
