While citing the fear that human traffickers might be taking advantage of the system, Britain's Conservative government has placed a limit on the number of lone child refugees it will accept into the country.

Reuters

As per the previous system, nearly 3000 expected under the law that had been aimed at helping some of the tens of thousands of migrant children across Europe. But now only 350 children will be allowed and Britain has already taken in 200 children.

Home secretary, Amber Rudd said on Thursday the decision was made after France raised concerns that UK government actions were acting as a draw to encourage children to make the perilous journey to the continent.

Reuters

"We are not saying we are closing the door, we are putting up the drawbridge," she said. "We are not saying that."

The move is controversial because Britain has taken a very limited amount of refugees amounting to just hundred thousand refugees that have flowed into Europe in recent years, many fleeing the war in Syria.

Lawmakers in the House of Commons, however, have accused Rudd of following the US President Donald Trump's ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Syria, in a limited capacity.

Reuters

"Is this what comes of cosying up to President Trump?" asked Joanna Cherry of the Scottish National Party.

Opposition lawmakers also accused Britain's Home Office of trying to sneak through the changes on Wednesday, when lawmakers were debating the highly charged bill that will allow Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Britain's departure from the 28- nation European Union.