Press Release

24 June 2008

NSPCC director and chief executive Dame Mary Marsh said:  “It is brilliant news that the Government intends to extend the responsibilities to protect children, as those outlined in Section 11 of the Children Act 2004, to the UK Borders Agency (UKBA).”

"Once legislation is passed, it will make the UK a safer place for children.  It gives asylum-seeking children better protection from the moment they enter the country and the same level of protection already afforded to all other children in the UK."

"The Government is currently considering its reservation on article 22 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which promotes the welfare of asylum-seeking children.  The NSPCC hopes the great step forward made by the Government today will be underlined with a commitment to removing its reservation on article 22."


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