Recommendation 8

We reiterate concerns made by this Committee in previous Parliaments that requiring good character when considering applications resolving prior discrimination risks perpetuating the effects of discrimination for those previously discriminated against. Moreover, we also share the concerns raised by the JCHR in 2019 about the appropriateness of the good character requirements being applied to children, particularly children whose main or only real connection may be with the UK. It is difficult to align this requirement with the obligation to have the best interests of the child as a primary consideration. The Home Secretary should review the application of the good character requirement in Part 1 of the Bill and the BNA to ensure that it does not risk being applied in a way that risks perpetuating discrimination or in a way that would be contrary to the best interests of a child in an individual case.