Today I had the chance to question the Home Secretary on the Government’s new partnership with Rwanda to help safely process asylum applicants.

Here in the UK our asylum system’s capacity is being challenged with ongoing global pressures caused by conflict and persecution across the globe. During my time in local government and in parliament, I have heard first-hand the stories of survivors and know that more must be done.

In order to help alleviate the pressure, the Government has introduced a new partnership with Rwanda that would see some irregular asylum seekers having their claims processed in the African nation.

While I welcome this announcement, I am keen to ensure that the policy continues to protect children who enter the UK through irregular routes. To that end, I asked the Home Secretary to ensure that the age assessment process will be fully completed before any individual is moved from the UK.

In her response, the Home Secretary outlined how the Nationality and Borders Bill contains important age assessment measures that will provide everyone with assurance about the age of those youngsters coming to our country and claiming asylum.