Member

If someone is genuinely under 18, it will be reflected in a scientific assessment. These methods are objective, evidence-based and independent of political or personal bias. If an individual refuses to take such a test without reasonable grounds, it is right to assume that they are an adult. If there is nothing to hide, there is no reason to refuse. The Government must be able to act on accurate data, not guesswork, which means having the power to require credible scientific verification of age. I do not understand why the Government are removing this set of powers from their remit with the passage of the Bill. I hope the Minister can take this opportunity to update the Committee on what mitigating measures, if any, the Government are proposing if they are insisting on removing the powers they already have, which were introduced by the previous Government.