The bishop of Dover, Rt Rev Trevor Wilmott, has urged greater compassion in the migration debate as new figures revealed an influx of lone child refugees among the boatloads of people crossing the Channel. In an appeal to the home secretary, he said, ‘It is crucial that we remember we are dealing with human beings here. We have been celebrating the season of hope and goodwill as we remember Christ’s birth: let’s not forget so soon that every person is precious.’ The rising number of boat crossings has prompted an increase in unaccompanied child refugees to levels not recorded since the Calais migrant camp was dismantled. One specialist facility caring for unaccompanied minors in Kent is caring for over twice the usual number.