Immigration officers will be able to use force to detain and remove child migrants under a change in policy by the government.
The Home Office announced the change in a document published yesterday detailing the impact of its controversial Illegal Migration Bill on children. Dame Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner, branded the change of policy “unacceptable”, saying it would cause trauma for children.
The legislation will allow for the detention of children who cross the Channel in small boats, including those who come without parents or guardians.
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While existing laws do not restrict the use of force based on age, it is government policy not to permit force when dealing with children except in rare