Source · Select Committees · Human Rights (Joint Committee)
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted in Part
Clause 15 should be amended to ensure that the list of exempted “relevant articles” includes...
Recommendation
Clause 15 should be amended to ensure that the list of exempted “relevant articles” includes items commonly used by asylum seekers. At a minimum, this must include items such as hygiene kits. (See Amendment 8, Annex). (Recommendation, Paragraph 52)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of hygiene products and will consider specifying safe, low-risk hygiene items for exemption, though with careful drafting to avoid security risks, thus partially accepting the recommendation.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Turning to the Committee’s recommendation in paragraph 52 to amend clause 15 to include hygiene products in the list of exempt articles, the Government acknowledges the importance of ensuring dignity and basic humanitarian standards. While Clause 15 is designed to restrict possession of certain items that could be used to support illegal crossings or be repurposed as weapons, the Government recognises the value in ensuring individuals have access to basic hygiene products, such as sanitary items, toothbrushes, soap, and other personal care items. However, were this recommendation to be taken forward, careful drafting would be required to ensure the exemption is appropriately limited and does not inadvertently permit possession of items that could pose a security risk, such as razor blades. The Government will consider specifying safe, low-risk hygiene items for exemption while maintaining the clause’s core policy intent, which is to prevent the provision of materials that could support criminal facilitation or endanger life.