Member

Most of the debate so far has been about children; the second part of the amendment is about a test of good character and whether someone came here illegally, also ruling out adults if the details were not set out in guidance. I want the Government to take into account that someone has come to this country illegally as an adult when making a decision. It should be done in the round, in addition to all the other factors, but I do not want it to be ruled out by statute. As I said, the fact that over 250,000 people were granted citizenship in the last year that records are available does not suggest that the Secretary of State and her officials are being unduly harsh when exercising their powers. Respectfully, I would leave the position as it is rather than pursue the amendment.