UNDER-18S IN THE ARMED FORCES

That this House notes that 16 to 18 year olds currently entering the armed forces commit themselves to a period of four years beyond their 18th birthday; further notes that after a period of six months they are unable to leave as of right; further notes that no other country in mainland Europe recruits at the age of 16; welcomes the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Human Rights in its report on children's rights that the UK adopts a plan of action for implementing the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and urges the Government to implement the Joint Committee's recommendations and raise the age of recruitment to 18.