Member

It is our long-standing position under our family routes that we allow for discretion in exceptional cases; that might include where there are compelling compassionate factors, or where, in meeting our international obligations, refusal would breach Article 8 of the ECHR. Our guidance provides instruction on the extent to which the spirit of the Section 55 duty and the best interests should be applied to children. I would argue to my noble friend—he can reflect on what I have said in Hansard prior to Report—that we have met the obligation he has put in his amendments. Again, I expect to revisit that on Report.