Politics live updates: Andrew Bridgen expelled from Tory party; MPs debate Illegal Migration Bill

Jenrick: There is a real safeguarding risk posed by ‘young adults pretending to be children’

One of the key criticisms of the Illegal Migration Bill is that is leaves no so-called safe and legal routes, but immigration minister Robert Jenrick insists that the UK makes “generous provision” to provide refuge to those fleeing persecution.

Mr Jenrick says: “In enacting this legislation we must be alert to those who will seek to use every possible tactic to thwart and frustrate the operation of the Act.”

He adds: “Our immigration and asylum system also makes generous provision to provide sanctuary for people seeking protection.”

He says the UK has provided sanctuary to half a milllion people since 2015, but adds that Britons are “rightly frustrated” that some circumvent the approved method of claiming asylum by getting on a small boat to cross the Channel.

Mr Jenrick continues: “Our primary concern must be the welfare of children, both here and abroad.

“We need to ensure that the UK does not become a destination that is specifically targeted by people smugglers specialising in children and families.

“I’m also acutely concerned that we balance that with the very real safeguarding risks posed by young adults pretending to be children.”

He says that it is an issue the government sees “every day”, and adds that a “very large number” of young adults pose of children.

Under the current age verification system, around 50% of those assessed are determined to adults, Mr Jenrick says.