UK Borders Bill

I am grateful to the noble Baroness for that intervention. Of course, this applies also to adults. Whatever their position, and even if originally they made this choice themselves, in the name of humanity we must recognise that they have often been through a searing and deeply disturbing psychological experience. Therefore, they ought to be given time to reflect on their situation before final decisions are made and implemented. We do not say in the Joint Committee’s report that there should not be deportations, but in the name of decency we are making a sensible suggestion and reinforcing what is in the conventions. That covers most of the points that were made, to which I wanted to respond. I conclude by saying again that it would be good from every standpoint if the Government would introduce the self-discipline of a target date for ratification. In the mean time, for the obvious procedural reasons to which the noble Lord, Lord Avebury, has already referred, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 30 agreed to. Clause 31 [Automatic deportation]: