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UK Borders Bill

I support everything that has been said so far on this group. I particularly pick out Amendment No. 64, which states what we all clearly want to happen. It underlines the best interests of the child as the primary consideration. That clearly indicates to me that there should be no separation of small children—or, I hope, teenagers—from their next of kin. The Government might be tempted to separate families as a substitute to detaining them. I urge them not to fall into that temptation. My noble friend Lord Listowel rightly asked for clearer and better information, but we need not so much statistics as far better practice in the field. For that reason, I urge the Minister to take away this whole group of amendments, consult with his ministerial colleagues in more than just one department and come back with a government amendment at the next stage to improve these children’s situation.