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Proceeding contribution from Baroness Butler-Sloss (Crossbench) in the House of Lords on Monday, 2 March 2009. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL].


Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL]

I understand and sympathise with the spirit that lies behind the Government’s proposal for activities, but I respectfully agree with the noble Baroness, Lady Hanham, that it is impossible to know at the moment, with no definition and no interpretation clause, what is meant by "activities". UNISON, in its briefing, understandably asks whether trade union activities are part of voluntary activities. I would expect this Government to say yes, but it is interesting that UNISON feels that it needs to ask that question. The point about the CRB is extremely valid. CRB checks take up a vast amount of time. Some of the most important work done currently in the voluntary sector is not only with children but also with vulnerable adults. You have to be CRB checked to work with vulnerable adults. If you do not have a CRB check, that cuts out a huge part of voluntary activities. How on earth is the Government going to monitor them? Are they going to list those that are acceptable and those that are not? This seems an interesting and in some ways rather charming idea, but one that is almost impossible effectively to implement.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
708 c553 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Children Criminal records Civil partnerships Asylum Detainees Armed forces British nationality Citizenship Borders Women Employment Equality Fees and charges Families Further education Immigration controls Domestic abuse Undocumented migrants Hong Kong Homelessness Discrimination Higher education Ireland (island) English language Forced marriage Marriage Parents Public service Vetting Refugees Trade unions Voluntary work British national (overseas) Common travel area British students abroad
Legislation
Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill (HL) 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk