Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

My Lords, before I support these amendments, I should apologise for my remarks earlier. They referred not to Amendment No. 3, but Amendment No. 22. I am reminded of the late comedian Eric Morecambe, who when challenged on how he played Grieg’s piano concerto, replied, ““I play the right notes, but in the wrong order””. It is impossible to reconcile the Government’s assertion that every child matters with their continued refusal to include the Border and Immigration Agency within the scope of Section 11. This is not an absolute duty, it simply requires agencies to ““make arrangements”” and to, "““have regard to the need to safeguard children and promote their welfare in the discharge of their functions””." In our view, to deny refugee children this protection, which is afforded to all other children in the United Kingdom, is nothing short of discrimination. The need for the Border and Immigration Agency to place a greater emphasis on welfare concerns was brought sharply into focus by a recent research report published by the Children’s Society entitled Living on the Edge of Despair. The research found evidence of children growing up in destitution as a result of government asylum policy. Children were found to be routinely going without food, heating or toys. Mothers were forced to prostitute themselves in order to survive. Young people in care had become homeless after being cut off from any help at 18, and pregnant women could not afford to eat. Regardless of their legal status, these children are entitled to better childhoods and we have a duty to protect and support them as we do all other children in the UK. If the mind of the House is to be tested, I hope very much that this and the first amendment are passed.