Refugees: Unaccompanied Children

Lord Tomlinson Excerpts

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I thank the noble Lord. What he says complements the Government’s efforts to develop community sponsorship schemes for children arriving in this country.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

Could the Minister give a clear and unequivocal statement that the children who are coming into this country will have no pressure or requirement placed on them at 18 to leave these shores?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I can give no such assurance. The position of these children when they reach the age of 18 will be assessed and their right to remain will be determined by reference to the country from which they arrived and also by reference to whether it is fair, reasonable and safe for them to return.