Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 56 of the Concluding Observations on the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the UK to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, published on 22 June 2023, whether he plans to accept the recommendation that a child from a separated family should not be enlisted if only one parent gives consent.

Applicants under the age of 18 are only accepted with the written consent by all appropriate persons – that is to say those with legal parental responsibility or a legal guardian. If an agreement cannot be reached, a parent can apply for a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order. A judge will then make a decision based on the applicant’s best interests.