I read the obituaries of Sir Nicholas Winton today and found a link to an interview with him on the American newsmagazine show 60 Minutes (see above). He said one of the reasons he didn't mention his role in saving 669 children for 40 years was because he doesn't like to dwell on the past. Rather, he liked to focus on helping people in the present. That's what prompted me to start this petition. I know from having been contacted by Justin Forsyth, the Chief Executive of Save the Children, that there are around 5,000 unaccompanied struggling to survive in refugee camps in Italy and elsewhere, many of whom have made the journey from tyrannical, war-torn African countries, and this number is likely to rise to 13,000 by the end of the year, particularly if the Greek crisis worsens. I suggested to Justin that lots of British people would be prepared to foster these children, just as many British people fostered Winton's Children, and he thinks that's an interesting idea. But the government hasn't yet agreed to give any of them sanctuary in Britain, which it would need to do before any foster homes can be found for them. Save the Children is trying to persuade the government to take 1,500 unaccompanied children. I don't disagree with the government's policy when it comes to protecting our borders and acknowledge the difficulties in allowing large numbers of refugees to settle here. But I think an exception should be made for these children.

Update: Since I wrote this, more unaccompanied children have been arriving in Europe's refugee camp and Save the Children now estimates the number is 13,000, due to rise to 26,000 by the end of September. Consequently, Save the Children has increased the number of children it wants the government to find homes for to 3,000. I support this and I hope those signing this petition will support it too.