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Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nicholas Dakin (Labour). It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces Recruitment (Young People)

Question
If he will take steps to implement the recommendations of parliamentary Committees in the last Parliament and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to end the recruitment of under-18s into the armed forces.
Answer

The United Kingdom ratified the optional protocol on children in armed conflict in June 2003. The minimum age at which individuals may join the armed forces remains at 16 years, which broadly reflects the minimum statutory school leaving age. There are no plans to change this.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
29883 
520 c649 
Session
2010-12
Oral question type
Lead
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Armed forces Young people
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk