Overview

This Immigration Bill amendment focuses on two key areas: the appointment of child trafficking guardians for potential child victims of trafficking, and a review of the power to deprive individuals of British citizenship. The House of Commons disagreed with several Lords amendments, primarily citing concerns about the potential cost to public funds.

Description

Child Trafficking Guardians

The amendment proposes appointing independent guardians for all children in the UK who are potential victims of human trafficking. These guardians would advocate for the child's best interests, ensuring access to appropriate care, legal representation, and support services. Their responsibilities include accompanying the child to meetings and court proceedings. The Secretary of State would set out the appointment, training, and supervision arrangements for these guardians.

Citizenship Deprivation

The amendment concerns the power to strip individuals of their British citizenship. It proposes a parliamentary committee to review Section 40 of the British Nationality Act 1981, which allows the Secretary of State to deprive someone of citizenship if their actions are seriously prejudicial to the UK's interests, even if it renders them stateless. The Commons added a requirement that the Secretary of State must have reasonable grounds to believe the individual can obtain citizenship in another country before such deprivation can take place. Furthermore, the Commons' amendment mandates regular reviews of the use of this power and the publication of reports on these reviews to Parliament.

Government Spending

The House of Commons rejected amendments relating to child trafficking guardians and the review of citizenship deprivation, primarily due to concerns about the additional costs these measures would impose on public funds. No specific figures were provided.

Groups Affected

• Children who are potential victims of human trafficking: Would benefit from the appointment of independent guardians to represent their interests and provide support.
• Individuals potentially facing citizenship deprivation: The amendments would affect those who could be stripped of their citizenship and the process will be subject to more stringent conditions and regular reviews.
• UK Government: Would incur additional financial costs associated with the implementation of the proposed amendments, specifically for child trafficking guardians and the review process for citizenship deprivation.
• Charities and statutory bodies: Could be involved in the appointment and support of child trafficking guardians.
• Parliamentary Committee: A new committee will be established to oversee the review of citizenship deprivation.

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