9 July 2019

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has published a report on the government’s proposed changes to the British Nationality Act 1981. The Committee raises concerns over children being denied nationality under the ‘good character’ test due to previous police cautions or minor offences. The Committee believes this application of the ‘good character’ test is inappropriate and prevents the rights of children from being adequately considered. In an article for LexisNexis, senior solicitor, Matthew Wills agrees, calling the impact of minor offences on children’s rights ‘clearly disproportionate’. He says: ‘The findings of the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ report are therefore welcome input on the disproportionate impact that the application of the good character requirement for children can have. They highlight that urgent change is required in order to address the clear deficiencies and the heavy handed application of these provisions.’ LexisNexis members can read the full article here.