X-rays considered in asylum reforms

Under reforms unveiled last week on how unaccompanied children are dealt with by officials, the Border & Immigration Agency said it still wants to explore the option of X-rays to establish a child's age.

The agency is setting up a working group with key organisations, including medical practitioners, to carry out a review of all age assessment procedures to determine whether it is a viable option and find the best approach.

Lisa Nandy, policy adviser at the Children's Society and chair of the Refugee Children's Consortium, said children's groups still opposed the use of X-rays. "The Children's Society has been approached to be on the working group. We want to work with the government on these plans," she said. "We will offer all the expertise that we can, but the devil does remain in the detail. We'll be watching closely and where we don't agree with the plans because we believe they are harmful to children we will oppose them."