Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill

I have a small matter to raise on the basis that the Clause 52 stand part debate is grouped with this amendment. I should say to the noble Lord, Lord Hylton, that I do not believe that I have ever in my life heard such a clever way of introducing a damaged amendment and making it sound excellent. I shall listen and learn. I have a narrow question with regard to Clause 52 stand part. It is an important point, which was raised earlier today by one of the Committee’s advisers. I refer to how Clause 52 will affect applications by those who have been child soldiers. All Members of the Committee will appreciate that the notion of the age of a child can vary around the world, but it is horrifying to see children under the age of 10 kidnapped and, by force majeure, forced by adults to become soldiers. They are traumatised; they are often given drugs so that they can be kept in thrall and they are psychologically as well as physically damaged. There must be occasions when such children would seek to come here and it is to be hoped that their condition would be considered on the basis that they were under duress. Clause 52(1) appears to prevent consideration of their case on the basis of the acts that they had committed. I wish to probe what the Government’s intent is and how the cases of child soldiers, who have committed what others would see as offences because they have killed and maimed, can be considered properly in the light of these provisions.