Halt to child refugee deportations urged, pending coalition talks
Thursday 20 September 2012
Labour leader Diederik Samsom does not want the new-look parliament to organise an immediate vote on an amnesty for child refugees because it could hurt the coalition talks, Nos television reports on Thursday.
The broadcaster says Samsom has indicated to Labour and ChristenUnie activitists that he wants to deal with the issue in a coalition agreement.
It is not clear if supporters of the amnesty for children who have lived in the Netherlands for eight years will press ahead with a vote. ChristenUnie leader Arie Slob told Nos radio he understands Samsom's position and does not want to force the issue.
Temporary stop
Instead, there should be a temporary halt to deportations pending the formation of a new government, Slob said.
There is now majority support for the measure in the lower house of parliament but the right-wing VVD is opposed.
Samsom and VVD leader Mark Rutte are currently in talks on forming a new governing alliance after both parties made major gains in last week's general election.
Is Labour right to wait and see? Have your say using the comment form below.
© DutchNews.nl
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Yes Samsom is right. If there is a majority in parliament then this will be dealt with in the agreement. Until then all sort of ad hoc decisions by parliament will hurt the negotiations. A temporary stop will do for the moment.
By pepe | 20 September 2012 9:50 AMis good for the pvda to wait i have faith in this party that seek the interest of kids
By ahmed jah | 20 September 2012 11:46 AMis good for the pvda to wait i have faith in this party that seek the interest of kids
By ahmed jah | 20 September 2012 11:46 AMEight years is long a time for a kid who has grown ip in an environment to be subjected to a whole new kind of sorrounding.it would be better to even consider those here for more than 5 years.let them stay!!
By kaitama | 20 September 2012 12:29 PMWise move from Samson - looking ahead, taking things slowly, thinking strategically. I do really hope the deportations of these children are temporarily stopped until the coalition is formed though.
By Bill | 20 September 2012 3:36 PM