Calais jungle children: Calls for ages of refugees to be checked in Britain
Concerns have been raised over the ages of refugee children arriving in Britain from the Calais jungle camp after immigration officials admitted they have no way of confirming how old they are.
The first batch of youngsters to cross the Channel from the controversial camp have started to arrive in the UK, as part of a fast-track scheme to provide a safe haven for children before it is pulled down.
But Stone MP Sir Bill Cash says there are 'serious questions' over the lack of assessments available to determine the ages of the children, who officials say are aged between 14 and 17.
"This simply has to be done properly and that means proper assessments for everyone coming into Britain," Sir Bill said.
"It is incredible that we could even consider bringing people into the country without proper identification of their status.
"Their criteria for entering Britain and family connection to the UK has to be checked. This is a matter that must be handled properly and according to the rules."
Sir Bill's comments came after his fellow Eurosceptic Tory MP David Davies raised concerns that many of the 'children' brought over to Britain could be significantly older than they claim.
He said: "These young men don't look like minors to me. They are hulking teenagers who look older than 18. I'm all for helping the genuine children but the well of goodwill is rapidly being exhausted here.
"I'm also curious that there are no young women - I would have thought they would be much more vulnerable. I worry that once again British hospitality is being abused.
"There is no way of knowing if someone is a child. We could end up causing even more misery if we are not careful. We should invite anyone who wants to come to the UK to take dental tests."
Britain agreed to take youngsters from the Calais jungle after Tory MPs, including Stafford's Jeremy Lefroy, had urged the Government to champion the role of family in resolving the refugee crisis.
Staffordshire County Council has announced that its children's services will be working with the Home Office to identify and support any unaccompanied asylum seeking children in Calais who have links with the county.
