David Cameron was at the centre of a growing row over child refugees today as at least nine more died when a boat sank in the Mediterranean.
Hundreds more vulnerable children are likely to be offered a safe haven in Britain under plans unveiled by the Government.
But the Prime Minister was denounced as “callous” by shadow overseas aid secretary Diane Abbott.
She attacked the Government for refusing to meet calls from charities to admit at least 3,000 young people who have reached Europe from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.
She tweeted: “Saw appalling conditions in #CalaisJungle for myself. Callous that Cameron still won’t take any of those children.”
Downing Street rejected the criticism, insisting that humanitarian experts say most children who have lost their parents are best cared for in their “broader” family rather than being flown to the UK.
Ministers also believe that opening Britain’s doors to refugees and economic migrants who have already reached Europe will encourage more to attempt the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean.
Coastguards said at least 18 people, nine of them children, died in the latest migrant boat sinking off the Greek island of Samos.
Another boat sank off Kos yesterday, leaving seven dead, including two children.
Immigration minister James Brokenshire today said the UK would work with the United Nations refugee agency to identify “exceptional cases” of unaccompanied children in conflict zones in the Middle East and North Africa who would benefit from protection in Britain.
