The many memorials to the great work of Nicholas Winton and the Kindertransport from 79 years ago should act as a reminder of the way in which our nation was once a beacon of Hope across Europe and throughout the world. Whilst it is probable that none of it would have happened without Wintons boldness and self sacrifice, our government in time was persuaded to open the border and citizens opened their homes to some 10,000 children over a two year period. This was at a time when we were a much smaller nation than today. It is clear that there are many men and women who in different ways are playing a role comparable to Nick Winton in Calais and Dunkirk and across the war zones from which children have fled. What is missing is the courage and frankly the decency and humanity of our Government and that of our Allies such as the USA to change the way in which they address needs that were in part created as a result of our military actions. This article in the Guardian explains about the abuse taking place in camps in Northern France which is something all of Europe should be ashamed of. The need for a strong message to be sent out is vital. As many people have pointed out, we need to find ways of removing incentives from people to trust in Traffickers and instead to trust in Governments. This may be hard to achieve in Syria and Libya but it should be possible in Europe. The letter signed by the leaders of five national churches here in the UK makes many of the same points in specific reference to the Alf Dubs scheme that the Government has closed without any real debate or explanation. It seems rather disappointing however that the letter was not signed by the Church of England or Roman Catholic Church, they too should consider if this was a failure on their part. It is clear from the comments by Justin Welby however that he is of a similar mind to those who did sign this letter.