STORY
The Children’s Commissioner for England has warned that Home Office proposals affecting refused asylum seekers could cause significant harm to children. The Guardian reported that Rachel de Souza raised concerns about proposals including the removal of support from some families and the use of physical interventions during enforced removals.
The Home Office proposals were set out in a consultation launched in March and form part of the Government’s wider approach to increasing removals of people whose asylum claims have been refused. De Souza said ministers should ensure children’s best interests are central to decision-making and questioned whether parts of the plan were compatible with the Children Act 1989.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended a tougher approach to immigration enforcement, arguing that the system must command public confidence. The intervention adds further scrutiny to the Government’s asylum policy at a moment when the Labour leadership transition is already placing pressure on departments to justify major decisions.